Ukraine’s defense line holds firm along canal: 24th Brigade on Chasiv Yar defense

After capturing Bakhmut, the occupying Russian forces launched an offensive on Chasiv Yar, which has been defended for approximately nine months by the Ukrainian Armed Forces, including the 24th Separate Mechanized Brigade named after King Danylo.

“The Russian aggressor is pressing, and the attacks have intensified significantly in the last month.”

 How long has the brigade been defending Chasiv Yar and what is the current situation?

Our brigade's units have been in Chasiv Yar since the beginning of the city's defense. Some units have been here since the Battle for Bakhmut.

In fact, during the entire defense campaign of Chasiv Yar, someone from our brigade has remained at the positions. 

The Russians are putting pressure, and the assaults have intensified significantly in the last month. The open positions of Ukrainian defenders are attacked several times a day. The Russians are controlling the airspace with the help of drones. Due to the constant shelling, the infantry is forced to stay in shelters, which creates risks of small enemy groups penetrating the canal to the rear.

“Poor weather conditions, ruins and Russian hiding places complicate the situation”

Russian forces have crossed the canal. How critical are urban battles?

We cannot say that Russian forces have crossed the canal. The defense line remains unchanged and runs along the canal. The fighting is going on around this line. The canal plays the role of a defense structure. It is difficult for the Russians to cross it because of disrupted crossings and mines on our side.

Urban fighting is more difficult because there are shelters for both sides in the city. Even behind the canal, the fighting can still be called urban. Bad weather conditions, ruins and shelters where the enemy is hiding complicate the situation. Asphalted roads, even if damaged, provide better movement of Russian equipment than in the field. This also complicates the situation.

“Recently, the bombardment of Chasiv Yar by the guided bombs has become less intense, but the rear areas are still being shelled”

What equipment do Russian troops use?

Russian troops are using armored vehicles, but their effectiveness is limited. Heavy infantry fighting vehicles often become targets for our drones.

Tanks and artillery fire at our positions from closed positions. Recently, our drones destroyed a T-90M.

They are actively using kamikaze drones, as well as drones for drops and aerial reconnaissance. They have an advantage in reconnaissance drones of the Krylo type.

Ukrainian soldiers are working to counter these drones. Although there are some results, the overall situation remains unchanged.

“Enemy attempts to break into the plant continue, but they are not successful”

Do Russian troops use guided bombs?

Guided bombs create a significant advantage for the Russian invaders, allowing them to deliver powerful strikes on points, buildings and rear areas. Recently, the bombardment of Chasiv Yar by guided bombs has become less intense, but the rear areas continue to suffer.

There are battles for the refractory plant. How is it being defended?

The plant is not on the front line. Russian troops managed to penetrate its territory, but Ukrainian forces, together with neighboring units, such as the 18th Brigade of the National Guard, cleared the area. The Russian attempts to break into the plant continue, but they are not successful.

It is important to understand that the success of counterattacks in clearing the rear areas is due to the fact that they take place outside the contact line. This allows for planning operations with fewer resources.

What is the situation with civilians in the city?

About 200 civilians remain in the city. Our soldiers do not contact them, as they have independent supplies and there is no need for contact.

Evacuation is possible only from the central and rear districts. People can go to safe areas and be taken away from there.

By the way, President Zelenskyy noted the 24th Royal Brigade, which, along with others, repelled a brutal Russian assault on New Year's Eve.