Russian strikes devastate most of Chasiv Yar, but Ukrainian forces hold positions - UK intelligence
Photo: The bombardment destroyed most of Chasiv Yar (Getty Images)
The UK Ministry of Defense informs that Russian air and artillery strikes have nearly destroyed most residential areas of Ukraine's Chasiv Yar. Despite this, Ukrainian forces continue to hold defensive positions in several fortified buildings in the town.
According to British intelligence, Russian forces have made significant tactical gains in the central part of the Donetsk region over the past month.
"Kostiantynivka itself links to the large urban areas of Kramatorsk and Sloviansk. Russia is carrying out attacks in three areas: Chasiv Yar (12 km to the north-east), Toretsk (15 km to the south-east), and to the east of Pokrovsk along the H-32 highway," the intelligence update said.
At the same time, British defense officials noted that fighting for Chasiv Yar and Toretsk has been ongoing for a year. Russia controls much of both areas, but has so far failed to fully consolidate control or capitalize on its slow advances.
"Most of Chasiv Yar has been destroyed due to heavy Russian aerial and artillery bombardment. Ukrainian forces remain in several fortified buildings in defense," the UK report stated.
The intelligence also noted that Russia has expanded its salient southwest of Kostiantynivka, advancing approximately five kilometers in some areas.
"Russian forces have highly likely severed the H-32 highway, which connects Kostiantynivka with Pokrovsk and will likely seek to advance further on this axis in coming weeks," the report concluded.
Frontline situation
As of the morning of May 17, more than 80 combat engagements have already occurred across the front line.
According to the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, Russian forces carried out the most attacks in the Pokrovsk, Lyman, and Novopavlivka directions.
Meanwhile, local authorities in the Donetsk region have expanded the evacuation zone for families with children. The updated order now includes the communities of Druzhkivka and Lyman.
