The city of Chasiv Yar in eastern Ukraine has been left in ruins after months of relentless Russian artillery pounding, as seen in new drone footage obtained by The Associated Press. The once-thriving city, with a population of 12,000, now lies deserted with barely a building left intact.
The strategic importance of Chasiv Yar is evident in the footage, showing the city reduced to an apocalyptic wasteland similar to other cities like Bakhmut and Avdiivka that fell to Russian forces after heavy bombardment.
Russian troops have been launching waves of assaults on the outnumbered Ukrainian forces in Chasiv Yar, who are running short on ammunition and awaiting fresh supplies from allies like the U.S. The destruction in the city is a stark reminder of Russia’s scorched-earth tactics throughout the ongoing conflict, displacing and killing thousands of civilians.
The capture of Chasiv Yar would give Russia control of a hilltop position from which they could launch further attacks on key cities in Ukraine’s eastern defenses. NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg has acknowledged the delayed delivery of military aid to Ukraine, leaving the country vulnerable to Russia’s better-equipped forces.
As Ukraine and its Western partners rush to deploy critical military aid to counter the Russian advance, the situation remains tense with the possibility of a broader offensive looming. The footage of Chasiv Yar serves as a grim reminder of the devastating toll of war in Ukraine.