Russia announces the capture of a Ukrainian town near the Chasiv Yar bastion

The announcement made by the Russian army on Sunday revealed that they have successfully captured the town of Bogdanivka in Ukraine. This town, situated near the pivotal stronghold of Chasiv Yar in the Donetsk region, holds significant strategic importance.

According to the Russian Ministry of Defense, the Southern Group units gained complete control over the town. Prior to the conflict, the population of Bogdanivka numbered less than a hundred people.

Additionally, Russian forces successfully repelled two counterattacks launched by the 93rd mechanized brigade of the Ukrainian army. They have also made advancements in the direction of Chasiv Yar, consolidating their position.

Ukraine had previously cautioned that Chasiv Yar, defended by the 41st mechanized brigade, was the primary objective of Moscow’s current offensive in the heart of Donbas. President Volodymyr Zelensky personally addressed the troops in Chasiv Yar on Friday, emphasizing its importance as a stronghold that Russia aims to capture by May 9, the anniversary of victory over Nazi Germany.

The capture of this crucial crossroads would serve as a gateway for the Russian attack on the main Ukrainian military center in Donbas, Kramatorsk, and the city of Sloviansk, where the pro-Russian uprising began in 2014.

In October 2023, the Russian army initiated an offensive across the entire front, resulting in the recovery of multiple Ukrainian strongholds. Notably, the town of Avdivka on the outskirts of Donetsk was among the areas reclaimed.

However, the Russians have been unsuccessful in regaining control of the northeastern Kharkiv region, which they held between February and September 2022. Their aim was to establish a security belt and quell enemy attacks and incursions into the Belgorod border region.