Ukraine's top commander says Russia aims to capture Chasiv Yar by May 9

FILE PHOTO: A Ukrainian CV-90 infantry fighting vehicle is driven, amid Russia's attack on Ukraine, near the frontline town of Chasiv Yar in Donetsk region, Ukraine March 5, 2024. REUTERS/Oleksandr Ratushniak/File Photo

KYIV (Reuters) -Ukraine's top commander said on Sunday Russian forces aimed to capture the town of Chasiv Yar by May 9, setting the stage for an important battle for control of high ground in the east where Russia is focusing its assaults.

The fall of the town west of the shattered city of Bakhmut by the date Moscow marks the Soviet victory in World War Two would indicate growing Russian battlefield momentum as Kyiv faces a slowdown in Western military aid.