Chasiv Yar, eastern Ukraine — Ukraine’s ammunition-starved troops have retreated from two more villages in the war-torn east this week, relinquishing them to Russian forces who have taken advantage of their enemies’ shortages to capture more territory. This comes after the recent takeover of the hard-fought city of Avdiivka about two weeks ago.
Following fierce battles that devastated Bakhmut and Avdiivka — cities that were symbols of Ukrainian resistance but ultimately succumbed to Russian firepower — Russia’s forces have now shifted their focus to the nearby city of Chasiv Yar.
CBS News visited Chasiv Yar, where explosions were constant and the city showed signs of being ravaged by artillery fire, with exhausted troops pleading for assistance.
Driving rapidly over a crumbling road towards Chasiv Yar, we approached the city with Bakhmut held by Russian forces visible on the horizon.
The intensity of Russian attacks with artillery, missiles, and airstrikes on Chasiv Yar has escalated in recent days, indicating that the city could be the next target of Russia’s ongoing offensive in Ukraine’s eastern Donbas region, especially due to its proximity to Russian-held Bakhmut.
Despite our plans to meet the local commander, we were informed last minute that he was engaged in directing forces under attack. Amidst the chaos and explosions, a message on a bombed-out building in English read: “We are not asking too much, we just need artillery shells and aviation — the rest we’ll do ourselves.”
Ukraine’s forces are in dire need of support, both in terms of ammunition and assistance.
“We are counting on our American partners to help us with weapons, so that our guys do not have to sacrifice their lives,” stated Reuben Sarukhanian, a soldier with Ukraine’s 5th Assault Brigade, during our conversation.
Russian attacks extend beyond the battlefield, with residents in Kostyantynivka experiencing the destruction caused by advancing Russian troops. The town, like many others, remains vulnerable to Russian aggression, with civilian infrastructure being targeted directly.
This region of Ukraine’s Donbas has been severely impacted by the ongoing conflict, with relentless offensives and counteroffensives causing widespread destruction. Russia currently holds the advantage with superior weaponry and manpower.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is seeking additional support from Ukraine’s European neighbors, but he acknowledges that the stalled $60 billion aid package in the U.S. Congress is crucial for Ukraine’s survival.
Zelenskyy emphasizes that without American support, Ukraine’s fate is at risk.
Charlie D’Agata
