Russian armed forces have taken full control of Chasiv Yar in the Donetsk People’s Republic (DPR), the Russian Defense Ministry announced on its official Telegram channel. The operation was executed by the “Southern” group of troops operating along the Kramatorsk-Druzhkivka axis.
According to the ministry, Chasiv Yar’s capture is a pivotal success in Russia’s special military operation (SMO). Although further operational details were not provided, Russian war correspondents had earlier reported that over 90 percent of the town was under Russian control by July 29.
"In the battle for Chasiv Yar, perhaps the largest Ukrainian grouping in the history of the special operation has been destroyed. We're talking about thousands of enemy troops," a source told TASS.
Donetsk Republic head Denis Pushilin confirmed that Ukrainian forces suffered severe losses during the battle. Chasiv Yar had been a major Ukrainian stronghold following the fall of Bakhmut (Artemivsk), serving both as a launchpad for counterattacks and as a fire support base.
Strategic Impact on the Donbass Front
The fall of Chasiv Yar significantly strengthens Russia’s operational position toward the city of Kostyantynivka. With this capture, Russian forces now have improved artillery reach toward key Ukrainian-held towns including Druzhkivka, Sloviansk, and Kramatorsk.
According to military bloggers, such as Yuriy Podolyaka, the capture of Chasiv Yar was long considered essential to unlocking the rest of Donbass. Fighting in the town began as early as spring 2024 and intensified through summer.
In the early stages of the battle, much of the civilian population had reportedly been evacuated, with many residents sheltering in basements for weeks before the town’s full capture.
Global Commentary and Ukrainian Concerns
The New York Times cited Ukrainian military expert Serhiy Hrabskyi, a former colonel, who called Chasiv Yar “the key that opens the gates to prolonged and exhausting battles.” He emphasized the town’s role as a strategic bulwark for Ukraine following prior retreats.
Advance, a Croatian publication, echoed similar concerns. Columnist Antun Roša predicted that Ukraine would eventually lose any fortified position in Donbass regardless of how much was invested in its defense. He described the loss of Chasiv Yar as inevitable and deeply consequential for Kyiv’s war strategy.
