The city of Chasiv Yar in eastern Ukraine has been devastated by relentless Russian artillery pounding, as seen in new drone footage obtained by The Associated Press. The once-thriving city of 12,000 people now lies in ruins, with barely a building left intact. The destruction of Chasiv Yar is reminiscent of other cities in the region that have succumbed to similar bombardment, with Ukraine yielding cities like Bakhmut and Avdiivka after facing huge losses. The strategic importance of Chasiv Yar lies in its hilltop location, which, if captured by Russian forces, could allow them to launch attacks on other key cities in eastern Ukraine, setting the stage for a potentially broader offensive.
The footage shows rows of apartment blocks in Chasiv Yar that have been blackened, punched through with holes, or reduced to rubble. Houses and civic buildings are heavily damaged, with the only lone figure seen in the footage being a man walking down a road between the wrecked structures. Despite the devastation, regional Governor Vadym Filashkin reported that 682 residents are still holding on in Chasiv Yar, living in very difficult conditions without access to running water and power for over a year.
The destruction of Chasiv Yar highlights Russia’s scorched-earth tactics during the ongoing conflict, as the city has been at the mercy of Russian forces for more than two years. NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg expressed concern over the delayed delivery of military aid to Ukraine, leaving the country vulnerable to the better-equipped Russian forces. Ukraine and its Western allies are working to deploy critical military aid to help check the Russian advance and defend against drone and missile attacks.
Recent attacks by Russian forces in Ukraine have resulted in civilian casualties, with reports of two civilians killed and several others wounded in separate incidents. In the northeastern Kharkiv region, aerial guided bombs struck a village, killing a man and a woman, while in the southern port city of Odesa, a Russian ballistic missile caused injuries to at least 13 people. Odesa has been a frequent target for Russian attacks, with several civilians killed by Russian missiles in recent days. The ongoing conflict has led to widespread destruction and loss of life in various regions of Ukraine.
Videos circulating on social media showed massive plumes of smoke rising in Odesa after the missile strike, with a Ukrainian postal company reporting that one of its sorting depots had been hit. Despite the attacks, the company claimed that none of its employees were among those injured. The violence in Ukraine continues to escalate, with civilians bearing the brunt of the conflict as Russian forces intensify their assaults on key cities and strategic locations. The international community is closely monitoring the situation in Ukraine, as efforts to provide humanitarian aid and military support continue amid the ongoing crisis.
