Overview

• Russia’s Defence Ministry said its forces had “liberated” Chasiv Yar after nearly 16 months of fighting, though independent verification remains unavailable.
• Ukrainian spokesman Victor Trygubov called Moscow’s announcement propaganda, asserting that Russian troops only occupy areas seized months ago and that combat persists.
• Russian forces have methodically advanced through heavy bombardment since April 2024, eroding Ukrainian defensive positions around the hilltop town.
• Securing Chasiv Yar would give Russia elevated terrain en route to key Donetsk cities and facilitate further offensives toward Kramatorsk and Sloviansk.
• Open-source mapping by DeepState and analysts show Ukrainian units still hold parts of western and southern Chasiv Yar, reflecting ongoing uncertainty over control.