The Ukrainian military confirmed on Monday that a force of between 20,000 and 25,000 Russian troops is attempting to seize the eastern town of Chasiv Yar and its surrounding area in the Donetsk region. News of the Russian offensive comes on the heels of the U.S. House of Representatives’ approval of a $61 billion aid package for Ukraine.
According to Kyiv’s top commander, the Russians aim to secure the town by May 9, which marks Soviet Victory Day in World War Two. The town holds strategic high ground in the partially-occupied Donetsk region. Its capture by Russia would bring Russian forces significantly closer to two critical Ukrainian-controlled cities, Kramatorsk and Sloviansk.
A representative for the eastern military command, Nazar Voloshyn, maintains Ukraine retains full control of Chasiv Yar. Despite the difficult situation on the ground, Voloshyn emphasized that Ukrainian forces are not only holding the line but are also expecting reinforcements. “Our defenders are both receiving reinforcement and stabilizing the line,” he said.
The Russian offensive comes as Ukraine expects potentially imminent U.S. military aid, hoped to alleviate urgent ammunition shortages. Acknowledging that the circumstances in Chasiv Yar are tough for its troops, Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky expressed optimism in a message on Telegram, stating, “receiving the necessary assistance will even out the situation.”
A $61 billion aid package for Ukraine was passed on Saturday following a complete u-turn by Republican Speaker Mike Johnson, who had earlier promised not to support aid for the Eastern European country until the U.S.-Mexico border was secure.
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