In eastern Ukraine, a city called Chasiv Yar has been severely damaged by continuous Russian artillery attacks. New drone footage obtained by The Associated Press reveals a devastating scene with hardly any buildings left standing.
Homes, offices, and once-busy streets now lie in ruins. Chasiv Yar, once bustling with 12,000 people, is now nearly deserted.
The destruction in Chasiv Yar is similar to what happened in other cities like Bakhmut and Avdiivka, which Ukraine eventually had to give up after months of heavy fighting and losses on both sides.
The city’s strategic significance lies in its location—it sits atop a hill that allows whoever controls it to launch attacks on other key cities in eastern Ukraine.
Russian forces have been relentlessly attacking Chasiv Yar for months. Ukrainian troops, vastly outnumbered and running low on ammunition, have been holding on desperately, hoping for reinforcements from allies like the US.
The drone footage shows rows of buildings, including apartment blocks and civic buildings, either destroyed or heavily damaged. Even the church, with its golden dome still intact, shows signs of significant damage. The once-vibrant community now resembles a ghost town.
Chasiv Yar’s elevated position makes it a valuable prize for Russia, as it could serve as a launching point for further advances into eastern Ukraine. Ukrainian officials fear that if Chasiv Yar falls, it could pave the way for a broader Russian offensive.
NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg has admitted that delays in delivering military aid to Ukraine have left the country vulnerable to Russia’s superior forces. Ukraine and its Western allies are now scrambling to send aid to help stem the Russian advance and defend against drone and missile attacks.
As the conflict escalates, the people of Chasiv Yar and other affected areas are left with the grim reality of widespread destruction and the uncertainty of what the future holds in the ongoing struggle for control over eastern Ukraine.
Comments