Ukrainian forces may have to withdraw from Chasiv Yar – military analyst

He expressed this opinion on Espreso TV.

"Regarding the Pokrovsk direction, there is information that the enemy is reducing the activity of offensive actions. At the same time, there is also a report that the Russian army is advancing in this direction. The number of combat clashes has decreased according to the General Staff, but somewhere the enemy is still trying to advance. Therefore, when I am asked to comment on this information, I answer that we need to wait a little in order to understand exactly whether there is a decrease in Russians activity in the Pokrovsk direction. However, the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine somehow records a decrease in combat clashes in the Pokrovsk direction," Popovych said.

The observer noted that the Ukrainian army have fewer and fewer opportunities to organize defense in Chasiv Yar. That is why the withdrawal of the Defense Forces units from the town should be considered in the future.

"Regarding Chasiv Yar, which belongs to the Kramatorsk direction. This direction has nothing to do with Pokrovsk. However, Russians are also advancing in Chasiv Yar. We should consider Chasiv Yar together with the Toretsk direction. One way or another, these will be bridgeheads for a further offensive on Kostyantynivka. Chasiv Yar has been held for over a year. Active fighting began outside the town after Avdiivka fell. In the battles for the town, the Russian army lost a very large number of resources and manpower. However, the Armed Forces of Ukraine will probably have to withdraw. There are fewer and fewer opportunities left to organize the defense of Chasiv Yar, because the town has been destroyed," he concluded.

• The battle for Chasiv Yar began in April 2024 when Russian troops advanced close to the town. They have now managed to break through from the north, and fighting continues in the town's urban areas. However, pushing through this key Ukrainian defensive line will require significant time and effort.