What consequences will Ukraine face if Russia occupies Chasiv Yar

He shared his opinions with Espreso TV. 

“Currently, the most active direction of Russian assaults is the Pokrovsk area, with about 30 attacks per day on Novohrodivka. Their goal is to reach Pokrovsk and Myrnohrad to sever the so-called ‘road of life’—the Pokrovsk-Konstiantynivka highway, which supplies a significant portion of the front. According to reports from the Ukrainian General Staff, which provide a breakdown by direction, it’s evident that the Pokrovsk area has become even more critical to them than Chasiv Yar,” he said.

He also spoke about the situation in Kramatorsk.

“As for security in Kramatorsk, the city can be considered a middle rear position for our front line. While Konstiantynivka and Myrnohrad are closer to the front, where artillery fire and Smerch rockets are common, Kramatorsk, if hit, would be targeted by missiles, as artillery hasn’t reached it yet. However, if the Russians capture Chasiv Yar, which is situated on a ridge, the entire Kramatorsk agglomeration—including Sloviansk, Kramatorsk, Druzhkivka, Kostiantynivka, and Oleksiyevo-Druzhkivka—would be exposed. This valley, visible from the ridge starting at Chasiv Yar, would become vulnerable. Although the Russians have not yet breached the Siverskyi Donets-Donbas canal, a man-made obstacle defended by Ukrainian forces, capturing Chasiv Yar would allow them to gain fire control over Kostiantynivka. This city is already suffering from Russian shelling and would face even greater risk if Chasiv Yar falls,” said Andriy Kramchenkov.

• On the night of August 25, the Russian army hit Kramatorsk with an Iskander, hitting a hotel. Six people were injured and one was killed. Among the victims were journalists from Ukraine, the United States, Britain and Poland.
• The Russian strike on the hotel in Kramatorsk killed British journalist Ryan Evans, who worked for Reuters. Two of the media outlet's employees are in hospital.