Occupiers try to concentrate infantry in Chasiv Yar, but the Ukrainian Armed Forces destroy them
The command of the 24th Separate Mechanized Brigade named after King Danylo reported an increase in Russian assault activity in Chasiv Yar at the beginning of January 2026.
Russian troops are using worsening weather conditions and snowfall as natural cover to move infantry groups into the city, employing rocket artillery and mobile motorized transport. Despite enemy attempts to consolidate positions, Ukrainian defenders continue to hold key areas, systematically destroying assault squads, artillery systems, and enemy drone launch points.
Over the past week, the brigade’s units inflicted significant losses on the occupiers, eliminating 29 and wounding 32 Russian soldiers directly within the city. In addition to personnel, the Defense Forces disabled a large amount of equipment, including 345 drones of various types, 7 vehicles, 2 artillery systems, and 5 ground robotic complexes. Furthermore, 19 communication antennas, electronic warfare systems, and surveillance complexes were destroyed, significantly disrupting the coordination of the aggressor’s assault actions in this section of the front.
Ukrainian soldiers emphasize that Russia’s tactic of using ground drones and automatic grenade launchers under the cover of bad weather encounters effective counteraction from Ukrainian reconnaissance and artillery. The destruction of fortifications that the invaders tried to build prevents them from establishing reliable footholds for further advances into central city districts. The situation remains tense but fully under Ukrainian command, which is adapting defense methods to winter combat conditions.
Since the beginning of January 5, Russian troops have continued attacking Ukrainian positions along the front line. As of 16:00, 80 combat engagements were recorded, with the highest activity in the Pokrovske, Kostiantynivka, and Huliaipole directions. The Ukrainian Defense Forces are holding the line and repelling most assaults.
Over the past week, from December 29 to January 5, Russian occupiers increased control over Ukrainian territory by 47.8 sq. km — nearly half the area captured the previous week, which reached 95.51 sq. km.
