President Zelensky recently visited multiple locations near the front line in Donetsk province, including the headquarters of the 41st Brigade that protects the city of Chasov Yar. During his visit, he met with soldiers, talked to the unit commander, and awarded soldiers with honors. The exact distance from the brigade’s headquarters to the front line is currently unknown.
A video released by President Zelensky captured his convoy passing through the welcome gate in the city of Slavyansk, located about 30 km northwest of Chasov Yar. Moreover, he announced a visit to a military medical platoon and inspected various defense works in Donetsk province.
Chasov Yar is a key Ukrainian-controlled stronghold situated in the Donbass industrial region. It serves as a logistics center and a main forward artillery base for the Ukrainian army. Recent reports indicate that the situation in the area was deteriorating, with Russian forces encircling Ukrainian units from multiple directions.
If Chasov Yar falls under Russian control, it would enable them to launch direct attacks against other Ukrainian strongholds in the region, such as Kramatorsk, Slavyansk, Druzhkovka, and Konstantinovka. Kramatorsk, in particular, is the last major city that Ukraine still holds in Donetsk province. President Zelensky’s visit was aimed at boosting morale among the defending units in Chasov Yar and showing support for the Ukrainian forces in the region.