According to CNN, the Russian Defense Ministry announced that its forces have captured the strategic town of Chasiv Yar in eastern Ukraine after nearly 18 months of heavy fighting.
The ministry released images from drones showing the presence of Russian forces in parts of the city and claimed that more than 4,200 buildings and structures in the area had been cleared and about 50 Ukrainian soldiers had been taken prisoner.
However, Ukraine has denied this claim, with the country’s military spokesman calling it “propaganda.”
Ukrainian intelligence site DeepState also reported that Kiev forces still control the western part of the city and that the Russians do not have full control over the areas where they have raised their flag.
Chasif Yar, which had a population of about 12,000 before the war, is of great importance due to its elevated and strategic location in the Donetsk region.
