Russia Claims Progress Near Chasiv Yar as Ukraine Welcomes New Aid Package

 

Russia announced that its forces have captured territory near the strategic town of Chasiv Yar in eastern Ukraine, putting additional pressure on Kyiv as the country anticipates the arrival of a $61 billion aid package from the United States. This aid, approved by the US House of Representatives after nearly 18 months of delay, is seen as a morale booster for Ukrainian forces currently on the defensive.

 

The Russian Ministry of Defense reported Sunday that it had taken control of Bogdanivka, a small frontline village less than three kilometers (two miles) northeast of Chasiv Yar. "Units of the southern grouping of troops have completely liberated the settlement of Bogdanivka," the ministry stated.

 

Chasiv Yar, a town that had a pre-war population of around 13,000, has seen significant destruction from the ongoing conflict, and most residents have fled. Despite Russia's territorial gains, the Kremlin has downplayed the impact of the US aid package, with the Russian foreign ministry suggesting that it would only deepen Washington's involvement in the conflict. The Russian foreign ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova stated that attempts to sustain Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's "neo-Nazi regime" were "doomed to failure."

 

However, Ukrainian officials view the new US aid as a means to deter Russian aggression and enforce accountability. Mykhailo Podolyak, a presidential aide, remarked that the new aid would lead to "de-escalation" and "punishment" for Russia. He added that Russian official reactions showed "unconditional whining, hysterical, panic."

 

Ukrainians also welcomed the aid approval from Washington, which comes as Kyiv's forces face mounting challenges on the frontline. Oksana, a 50-year-old nurse, expressed that the aid will be crucial for defense. "The most important thing is to have something to defend ourselves with. Both civilians and our guys. It will save our lives," she said.

 

Due to the aid package's delay, Ukrainian officials noted that civilians had become more vulnerable, and their troops were forced onto the back foot in the face of Russian pressure. Despite these setbacks, there is a sense of relief among Ukrainians. Dmytro, a 19-year-old barber, commented that the aid would be helpful regardless of the timing. "In any case, we need help. If it was either later or earlier, it will help in any case," he said.

 

The situation near Chasiv Yar remains "difficult and tense," according to Kyiv's forces, with Russia continuously shelling the town. There has also been an increase in civilian casualties. Prosecutors reported that Russia shelled the town of Ukrainsk in the eastern Donetsk region, leading to the death of an 82-year-old woman and injuries to four men aged 21 to 53. Additionally, Russia reportedly launched ballistic missiles at the southern region of Odesa, targeting logistics and port infrastructure, causing further damage to private houses.