Russian forces have captured one of the most strategic cities in Ukraine’s Donbas region, as Ukrainian defenses continue to collapse amid Russia’s sustained offensive.
On Thursday, the Russian Ministry of Defense announced the capture of Chasiv Yar, a city that had been the focus of intense fighting since April 2024. Video footage posted to social media showed Russian troops raising flags in the city’s western districts, marking the end of a prolonged and bloody battle.
Chasiv Yar was the final Ukrainian stronghold in a central Donbas defensive belt that included Soledar, Bakhmut, and Toretsk—cities that have seen nearly continuous combat over the past three years. With its fall, Russian forces are now within seven miles (11 kilometers) of the H-20 highway, which links the key cities of Konstantinovka, Kramatorsk, and Slavyansk.
Russian troops are now within six miles (10 kilometers) of Konstantinovka from three separate directions, with Chasiv Yar providing elevated terrain overlooking the city. Analysts believe the battle for Konstantinovka could begin imminently.
At the same time, Russian forces have advanced into the center of Pokrovsk, a city previously used as a major logistics hub by the Ukrainian military. Reports from the ground indicate that Russian units have reached the central rail station, though no definitive front line exists yet within the city. Russian forces have reportedly been operating inside Pokrovsk for over a week to disrupt Ukrainian troop movements and supply lines.
These battlefield developments come amid diplomatic efforts by the United States to avert a wider collapse. President Donald Trump, who has warned Moscow to agree to a ceasefire by August 8 or face a new wave of sanctions and tariffs, dispatched Secretary of State Marco Rubio to speak with Russian representatives on Thursday. Rubio admitted the talks yielded “no progress.”
Trump also confirmed that special envoy Steve Witkoff will travel to Moscow following a visit to Israel in a last-ditch effort to broker a ceasefire before Ukraine’s front lines deteriorate further.