Ukraine’s army retreats from positions as Russia gets closer to seizing strategically important town

Associated Press

KYIV, Ukraine (AP) — Ukraine’s military says it has retreated from a neighborhood in the outskirts of Chasiv Yar, a strategically important town in the eastern Donetsk region which has been reduced to rubble under a monthslong Russian assault. Chasiv Yar is west of neighboring Bakhmut, which was captured by Russia last year after a bitter 10-month battle. For months, Russian forces have focused on capturing the town. It’s highly sought after due to its strategic location and elevated position. Should Chasiv Yar fall, it would put nearby cities in jeopardy, compromise critical Ukrainian supply routes and bring Russia closer to its stated aim of seizing the entire Donetsk region.