Ukrainian troops are facing a “difficult” situation around the eastern city of Chasiv Yar as Russia focuses its offensive there, a Ukrainian military official said on Monday.
Moscow has made a number of advances on the front lines in recent months, strengthening its lead as Kyiv struggles with critical ammunition shortages from its Western allies.
“The situation with regard to Chasiv Yar has been difficult and tense, not for the first time,” said Oleg Kalashnikov, press officer for Ukraine’s 26th Artillery Brigade.
“Today, the main focus for the enemy in its offensive operations is Chasiv Yar. They are trying to penetrate our defenses to reach Chasiv Yar,” he said.
He also said Russia had increased its use of powerful guided bombs in the area, and “dropped them on populated areas and on our defensive positions.”
Ukraine has been forced into a defensive position in recent months as it faces ammunition shortages and delays in a $60 billion aid package from Washington.
The commander of its ground forces warned last week that Russia was building up a group of more than 100,000 troops in preparation for a possible major offensive this summer. (AFP/Z-3)
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