Ukraine denies Russia’s claim that it has captured eastern town of Chasiv Yar

**Russia Claims to Capture Ukrainian Town, But Kyiv Denies It**

On July 31, Russia’s Defense Ministry announced that its forces had taken control of the town of Chasiv Yar in Donetsk Oblast. However, the Ukrainian military quickly denied this claim, saying they still hold parts of the town.

Chasiv Yar has been under siege by Russian forces since last April, and its strategic location on a hilltop makes it a crucial point for any army seeking to gain an advantage. The town is just a few kilometers west of Bakhmut, which was captured by Russia in May 2023. Ukrainian forces have been holding out against the Russian onslaught, but their grip on Chasiv Yar has weakened over time.

According to monitoring group DeepState, as of July 30, Ukrainian forces still controlled parts of Chasiv Yar’s southern and western sections. The rest of the town was in Russian hands. This contradicts Russia’s claim that they had captured the entire town during an offensive in the Kramatorsk-Druzhkivka direction.

**Russia’s Summer Offensive Continues**

The conflict over Chasiv Yar comes as part of a broader Russian push to gain control over key towns in Donetsk Oblast, including Pokrovsk. Russia is also trying to establish a buffer zone in northeastern Sumy Oblast and penetrate into Dnipropetrovsk Oblast.

Despite warnings from U.S. President Donald Trump that Russia would face “severe” sanctions by August 8 unless it agrees to a peace deal, Russian forces continue their military operations.

**What Does This Mean for Ukraine?**

The ongoing conflict over Chasiv Yar highlights the challenges faced by Ukrainian forces in holding off the Russian advance. The town’s strategic location makes it crucial for any army seeking to gain an advantage, and its fall would give Russia a significant foothold in Donetsk Oblast.

For now, the situation remains unclear, with both sides claiming control of different parts of the town. As the conflict continues, one thing is certain: the people of Ukraine will be watching closely to see what happens next.