The footage shows how Chasiv Yar, nestled among green fields and forests, has turned into an apocalyptic city. The destruction is reminiscent of the cities of Bakhmut and Avdijivka, which Ukraine lost after months of bombing and heavy losses on both sides.
The strategically important city has been under attack by Russian forces for several months. After capturing it, Russia would control the top of the hill, from which it could attack other cities that form the basis of Ukraine’s eastern defense, AP writes. That would set the stage for a potentially wider Russian offensive, which Ukrainian officials say could begin as early as this month.
Russia has launched waves of assaults on foot and armored vehicles against Chasiv Yar, where Ukrainian troops are outnumbered as they are desperately short of ammunition. The Ukrainians are anxiously waiting for the US and other allies to send in new supplies.
Rows of apartment buildings in Chasiv Yar were blackened by the blasts, punched with holes or turned into piles of wood and masonry. Houses and public buildings were severely damaged. The golden dome of the church remains intact, but the building beneath it looks devastated.
Except for a lone man walking down the middle of the road between the destroyed barrels, neither soldiers nor civilians can be seen in footage obtained by The Associated Press on Monday.
The governor of the region, Vadyms Filashkin, said on Ukrainian television on Wednesday that 682 residents of Chasiv Yar survived, living in “very difficult conditions”. Before the war, the city had more than 12,500 inhabitants. V.Filaškinas said that the rest have not had water and electricity supply for more than a year, and it is “increasingly difficult” for humanitarian aid to reach them.
The destruction shows Russia’s “scorched earth” tactics during more than two years of war, with its forces destroying entire cities, killing and driving thousands of civilians from their homes.
NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg admitted on Monday that the allies’ delayed delivery of military aid to Ukraine had left the country at the “mercy” of the Kremlin’s larger and better-equipped forces.
Ukraine and its Western partners are rushing to deploy crucial new military aid that could help stem Russia’s slow but steady advance, as well as thwart drone and missile attacks.
