Ukraine's forces withdraw from key town as Russian troops close in

Ukraine's army has retreated from the Kanal district in Chasiv Yar, a neighborhood on the outskirts of the city. This development is significant as it would put nearby cities such as Kramatorsk and Slovyansk at risk, compromise critical Ukrainian supply routes, and bring Russia closer to its goal of seizing the entire Donetsk region. Chasiv Yar has been heavily battered by months of intense fighting and its strategic location overlooking lower-lying areas makes it a crucial position for Ukraine's military. The retreat was confirmed by a ground forces spokesperson who stated that the decision was made to fall back to better protected and prepared positions.