The Kyiv Independent
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Military: Fall of Chasiv Yar would open Russia's way to 'last strongholds' in Donetsk Oblast.
If Russian forces capture besieged Chasiv Yar, it will enable them to launch offensives against other cities of Donetsk Oblast, the Khortytsia Group of Forces' spokesperson, Nazar Voloshyn, told Politico in a comment published on April 16.
Russia ramped up its offensive on Chasiv Yar after capturing Avdiivka , which lies about 50 kilometers (31 miles) southward, and its tempo of advance declined in early March. About 800 people remain in Chasiv Yar, according to local authorities.
"If the Russian occupiers manage to capture this city, they will have the opportunity to launch an offensive on Kostiantynivka, Druzhkivka, Kramatorsk, and Sloviansk," Voloshyn told Politico.
"These cities are the last stronghold of Donetsk region, which is under the control of Ukraine."
Voloshyn went on to explain that Chasiv Yar is the "dominant height in the region, and its control will allow the Russian invaders" to push forward to other cities of Donetsk Oblast .
According to the spokesperson, the Kremlin wants to see Chasiv Yar captured before May 9 – the day when Russia celebrates victory in World War II – for propaganda purposes.
On April 5, Moscow's proxies claimed that Russian troops had entered Chasiv Yar's suburb, but Ukraine's military later refuted that statement .
Russian proxy-official claims Ukrainian missile strike on occupied Crimea.
The news was corroborated by the Crimean Wind and Astra Telegram channels, which also added that the Crimean Bridge was temporarily closed as a result.
Bloomberg: Macron hopes to convince Xi to sway Putin toward ending invasion of Ukraine.
Xi Jinping will travel to the European Union for the first time in five years. The Chinese president will begin his five-day trip to France, Serbia, and Hungary on May 5, the Chinese Foreign Ministry said.
Mayor: Russian attack on Kharkiv kills 1, injures 2.
Russian forces attacked the Kyivskyi and Kholodnohirskyi districts of Kharkiv on April 30, hitting residential areas, Governor Ihor Terekhov reported.
Germany delivers Skynex air defense system, Marder vehicles, ammunition to Ukraine.
Germany has handed over 10 Marder infantry fighting vehicles, a Skynex air defense system, ammunition for Leopard 2 tanks, IRIS-T SLM air defense missiles, and other aid in its latest aid delivery to Ukraine, the German government said on April 29.
Russian attacks against Ukraine kill 7, injure at least 36 over past day.
Russia targeted a total of 10 Ukrainian oblasts — Zaporizhzhia, Chernihiv, Mykolaiv, Luhansk, Dnipropetrovsk, Sumy, Odesa, Kherson, Kharkiv, and Donetsk. Casualties were reported in the latter four regions.
Hamas releases video of hostages urging Gaza cease-fire deal - DW News.
The release of a new video by Hamas showing two hostages being held in Gaza has renewed pressure on Israel's government to secure the release of all remaining captives. Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz suggested a planned assault on Rafah coul...
Did #BringBackOurGirls Teach the Wrong Lessons?
10 years ago, hundreds of Chibok schoolgirls in Nigeria were abducted and held hostage by the terrorist group Boko Haram. The quest to rescue them captured the world’s attention, aided by pleas from high-profile figures and a viral hashtag online....
Labour 'fed up' waiting for a general election and call for public ownership of railways.
Shadow health secretary Wes Streeting MP says Dr Dan Poulter's defection to Labour shows the 'disillusionment of millions of Conservative voters'. Mr Streeting also criticises the Rwanda policy, saying that "even if the scheme is working at the PM...
Kate & Wills' wedding anniversary will be 'very different to usual' after 'difficult year'.
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Dust devil caught on camera carrying away bouncy house.
A California family was enjoying time outside when a dust devil lifted their inflatable jumper and trampoline. Subscribe to ABC News on YouTube: Watch 24/7 coverage of breaking news and live events on ABC News Live: Watch full episodes of World Ne...
'Inmates are in charge of the asylum' as universities face anti-Israel protests: Rep.
Rep. Virginia Foxx, R-N.C., says it was 'chaos' while visiting Columbia University as anti-Israel protests spread across the country on 'Fox Report.' #foxnews Subscribe to Fox News! Watch more Fox News Video: Watch Fox News Channel Live: FOX News ...