Ukraine abruptly disbands frontline battalion as Putin exploits 'catastrophic situation'

Volodymyr Zelensky thinking

Ukraine is facing severe bombardment from Russia in the city of Chasiv Yar in Donetsk Oblast. Last week, the Ukrainian Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces admitted that the situation in the key frontline battle has “significantly worsened”.

The battle in the besieged city has since gone from bad to worse for Ukraine as Kyiv abruptly announced that it had disbanded one of its leading battalions under mysterious circumstances.

The 67th Brigade, or Volunteer Ukrainian Corps, was dissolved after Ukraine lost several key positions in Chasiv Yar. Several of its commanders are now under investigation for the losses, according to Ukrainska Pravda, while many of its troops have been reassigned.

There were reports in Ukranian media that the 67th Brigade sent “youngsters” without enough experience into battle.

The Ukrainian army chief Oleksandr Syrsky revealed that Russian troops had an order to seize control of Chasiv Yar in the Donetsk region by May 9 to coincide with Russia’s celebration of Victory Day over Germany.

The Russian capture of Chasiv Yar would mark a significant win for Vladimir Putin’s forces and a devastating blow to Ukraine.

Syrsky

The city is less than 30 kilometers from Kramatorsk, the capital of the Ukrainian-controlled zone and an important rail and logistics hub for the Ukrainian military.

Last week, Mr Syrsky said that Russia had significantly ramped up the intensity of its attacks in the city.

He explained that Russia carrying out “crushing blows” thanks to new armoured reinforcement units and drier weather.

ukraine

Ukrainian analysis group Frontelligence Insight said: “The battle for Chasiv Yar is a litmus test for both sides. If Ukraine were to lose control of Chasiv Yar, it could have dire consequences as it would provide a direct route for the Russian Army to advance towards key cities in the Donbas, such as Kostyantynivka and Kramatorsk.”

One Ukrainian special forces sergeant told Radio Free Europe that the situation in Chasiv Yar was “extremely critical, possibly turning catastrophic”.

President Zelensky himself has said: “These days especially on the Donetsk front the situation is getting even worse.”