Russia uses the city's mines as shelters for ammunition and supplies while converting them into field hospitals, reports Ukraine's "Khortytsia" military grouping spokesperson.
Russian forces are attempting to seize control of a coal mine complex north of Chasiv Yar, which sits at a higher elevation and would provide critical fire control over the entire area. Ukrainian defenders are racing to reinforce the site as Russians struggle to make headway.
Each night, a team of drone pilots elopes bombs and FPV attacks to make coveted shots of Russian troop movements in occupied Bakhmut -- hoping that their thermal covers and jammers will not let them down
Ukrainian guerillas and HIMARS strikes target Russian logistics and equipment near Bakhmut, disrupting supply lines and slowing their offensive on Chasiv Yar in Donetsk Oblast. Russians forced to adjust strategy, focusing on securing flanks and expanding control east of the canal.
Ukrainian forces withdrew from the eastern side of the canal in Chasiv Yar, ceding the battered Kanal district to Russian control, while the Russians exhausted their forces after months-long assaults and started to use motorcycles for troop transport instead of armored vehicles.
Russia's attempt to use the local water pipe network to covertly amass an attack force near Chasiv Yar backfired spectacularly as Ukrainian drones detected and eliminated soldiers inside the pipes, leading to severe losses that enabled successful Ukrainian counterattacks.
Control of a crucial overground canal crossing could allow Russia to "establish a bridgehead and launch further attacks on Chasiv Yar," potentially threatening Ukrainian supply lines and rear positions.
In a tactical failure, Russian forces attempting to cross the canal in Chasiv Yar and advance on the Novi District were swiftly encircled and eliminated by Ukrainian ambushes, losing two BMD infantry fighting vehicles, a Tiger armored car, and a T-90M tank.
Despite opening a new axis in Kharkiv Oblast, Russia's operational focus remains on attacks northwest of Avdiivka, seeking gains to split Ukrainian forces in Donetsk Oblast, per UK intelligence.
Combat engagements continue across the front line, with Ukrainian Defense Forces actively responding to Russian attempts to improve their tactical positions.
Ukrainian forces conducted a series of attacks south of Ivanivske, successfully disrupting Russian efforts to push forward their offensive near Bakhmut.
Russian troops aim to capture Donetsk Oblast's Chasiv Yar by May 9, deploying all available units, while Ukrainian forces destroy Russian attempts, denying territorial gains, as per a Ukrainian drone unit officer fighting in the area.
In eastern Ukraine, Russian troops step up offensives, attempting to seize Ivanivske and break through Ukrainian defenses near Chasiv Yar, the Ukrainian military says.
Ukraine's military chief says Russians aim to seize Donetsk Oblast's Chasiv Yar by 9 May, directing efforts in Bakhmut’s vicinity, but Ukrainian defense holds strong, utilizing drones and artillery to disrupt and repel Russian infantry attacks.