Daily Flyer - April 6, 2024
A voice of Ukraine to the West
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Chasiv Yar remains under Ukraine's control, heavy battles east of city
Fierce battles are currently underway east of Chasiv Yar in Donetsk Oblast, where Russian forces are fiercely attempting to penetrate Ukrainian defenses, according to Commander-in-Chief of Ukraine's Armed Forces, Oleksandr Syrskyi, as of April 6.
Chasiv Yar is situated approximately 10 kilometers west of Bakhmut and 50 kilometers north of Avdiivka, both settlements captured by Russia in May 2023 and February 2024, respectively.
Despite claims made by Russian proxies on April 5 suggesting the entry of Moscow's troops into the suburb of Chasiv Yar, Ukraine's military has since refuted these assertions.
Syrskyi affirmed on Facebook that Chasiv Yar remains under Ukrainian control, emphasizing that all attempts by the enemy to breach the settlement have been thwarted.
Russian forces have directed their efforts toward Chasiv Yar, recognizing its strategic significance for advancing toward Kostiantynivka, Kramatorsk, and Sloviansk, as outlined by the Ukrainian military.
Syrskyi further described the general situation on the front as challenging, noting that Russia persists in offensive operations day and night, employing assault groups supported by armored vehicles, with the objective of reaching the administrative borders of Donetsk Oblast.
Zelenskyy comments on possibility of Russian offensive from Belarus or toward Kharkiv
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy emphasized in an interview broadcast on Saturday, April 6, that Kharkiv is adequately defended against potential Russian land assaults, dismissing discussions about Russian intentions to seize the city as rooted in disinformation.
Zelenskyy stated, "As of today, Kharkiv is protected. Not from the sky – we’ll return to the issue of an air defense shield for Kharkiv later. But Kharkiv is not under threat when it comes to defense fortification and our forces’ combat readiness."
He acknowledged that Russia considers Kharkiv and other eastern and southern cities as desirable targets but asserted that Kharkiv Oblast is being protected with confidence by Ukrainian forces.
Regarding the spread of disinformation, Zelenskyy cautioned against exaggerating threats, highlighting Russia's use of a professional disinformation agenda to sow panic and manipulate information. He urged careful verification of information to prevent unwittingly aiding Russian propaganda efforts.
Responding to concerns about a potential Russian offensive from Belarus, Zelenskyy stated that Ukraine currently lacks evidence to support such a threat. He emphasized that Ukraine is fortifying its defenses on the northern front, openly constructing defense fortifications and deploying forces to deter aggression.
Zelenskyy emphasized, "The Russians and the Belarusians, or the Russians in Belarus, have to know that yes, we have defense fortifications, we have three powerful lines of defense, and we have forces deployed here."
He underscored the importance of public awareness of Ukraine's defensive capabilities to instill confidence and deter potential aggression.
4 killed, 23 injured in Russian April 5 attacks on Zaporizhzhia
The death toll from the Russian missile attacks on Zaporizhzhia on the afternoon of April 5 has now reached four, as reported by Governor Ivan Fedorov on April 6. Additionally, twenty-three individuals sustained injuries in the attacks.
Among the deceased were two men and two women, with two of them succumbing to their injuries in the hospital, according to the governor's statement. Eight of the injured individuals have been admitted to hospitals, with four reported to be in serious condition. Notably, two children aged nine and 17 are among those hospitalized.
The attacks also caused extensive damage to the city's infrastructure, with more than 40 buildings affected. This includes 24 houses, nine multi-story buildings, a dormitory, and a kindergarten.
Zaporizhzhia, with a population of approximately 710,000, remains a target for Russian attacks due to its proximity to the front line. Renewed missile attacks occurred overnight on April 6, causing damage to industrial facilities and a humanitarian assistance center, although no casualties were reported in this latest round of attacks.
Another Russian attack on Kharkiv took 1 life, left more injured
Russian forces launched an attack on the Shevchenkivskyi district of Kharkiv on Saturday afternoon, resulting in one fatality and multiple civilian injuries, according to reports from Oleh Syniehubov, the Head of Kharkiv Oblast Military Administration, and Kharkiv Mayor Ihor Terekhov.
Syniehubov initially reported that one person had been killed and another injured in the attack, with damage to civilian infrastructure and a vehicle catching fire. Terekhov mentioned early reports suggesting the use of guided bomb units (GBUs) by the Russian forces in the assault. While Terekhov did not provide details on the number of injured individuals, Syniehubov later updated the information, stating that a 66-year-old man with an acute injury and a 12-year-old girl with an acute stress reaction sought medical assistance following the attack.
The attack also caused damage to an educational establishment and residential buildings in the area.