As CBS News returns to the front line in Ukraine, they discover that towns are being captured by Russia and soldiers are pleading for assistance.
Chasiv Yar, eastern Ukraine — Ukraine’s ammunition starved troops pulled back from two more villages in the country’s war-torn east this week, ceding them to Russian forces who’ve capitalized on their enemies’ shortages to seize more territory after taking the hard-fought city of Avdiivka about two weeks ago.
required all their strength and courage, they emerged victorious.
Following intense conflicts that demanded all of their physical and mental fortitude, they ultimately emerged as the winners.decimated Bakhmut–
Eventually, Avdivvka and Donetsk became renowned as emblems of Ukrainian perseverance, enduring for not just months but even years.
succumbed to the strength of Russian weapons
Russia’s military has shifted their focus and weapons towards the adjacent city of Chasiv Yar.
When CBS News previously visited, the atmosphere was already tense. However, upon our return to Chasiv Yar this week, we were constantly bombarded by explosions and witnessed a city devastated by artillery attacks. The soldiers we encountered were weary and pleading for assistance.
We were instructed to travel quickly over the damaged and bumpy road towards Chasiv Yar. As we reached a steep incline, the surroundings of trees and buildings vanished, revealing Bakhmut just beyond the next hill. Russian forces have controlled this area for several months.
One of the main reasons for Russia’s relentless attack in the Donbas region of Ukraine is its close proximity to the Russian-held town of Bakhmut.
STRINGER/REUTERS
Our plans to meet with the local commander were cancelled last minute as he was occupied directing his troops who were facing an attack.
As explosions echoed in the surroundings, we walked by a destroyed structure covered in graffiti that read: “We simply require artillery shells and aviation – the rest we’ll handle on our own.”
The text was written in the English language. The military forces in Ukraine have a clear understanding of who their targets are, both with their decreasing ammunition and their language.
“We are relying on our American allies for weapons assistance in order to prevent our soldiers from having to risk their lives,” said Reuben Sarukhanian, a member of the Ukrainian 5th Assault Brigade, in an interview with CBS News.
CBS News
The destructive capability of Russia extends well beyond the battlefield, as shown by the experiences of those living in the nearby town of Kostyantynivka.
As the Russian military progresses, numerous small towns such as Kostyantynivka are in danger, with no apparent exclusions as targets. The town’s historic train station was still burning from a recent missile attack by Russia, which caused significant damage and destroyed nearby residences.
The attack was intentional and intended to severely harm Ukraine’s public infrastructure.
CBS News
This portion of the extended boundary that spans across the expansive Donbas area in Ukraine has experienced some of the most severe assaults during the war. It has endured the majority of the aggressive attacks and retaliatory strikes for the past two years.
However, the Russians currently hold an advantage, possessing more weaponry and manpower, and showing no hesitation in using them.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy was in Albania on Wednesday to co-host a summit aimed at drumming up additional support from Ukraine’s European neighbors. But he, and Ukraine’s battlefield commanders, know that nothing can replace the $60 billion aid package still
held up in the United States legislature.
Zelenskyy declares that Ukraine will suffer without backing from America.
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Source: cbsnews.com