Russia Blows Up Key Water Canal Pipes to Advance Toward Chasiv Yar

Russian forces have destroyed sections of the Siverskodonetsk-Donbas canal near Chasiv Yar in Donetsk region in an effort to facilitate their advance on the city, according to Dmytro Zaporozhets, the spokesperson for the Operational-Tactical Group ‘Luhansk.’

Zaporozhets stated during a national television broadcast on January 27 that Russian troops had targeted the canal infrastructure to create pathways for their equipment, including armored vehicles and possibly motorcycles, as part of their offensive strategy. The destruction also appears intended to improve logistical support for advancing Russian units and to expand the front line of engagement in the area.

“Russian activity in the Chasiv Yar direction has intensified. Over the past week, the pressure on Ukrainian Defense Forces has increased significantly, with Russian troops actively employing armored vehicles, including those carrying infantry. The destruction of canal pipes in several locations aims to facilitate the movement of equipment and enhance the logistics of their advancing forces,” Zaporozhets explained.

In addition, the presence of Russian special forces units, including Akhmat and the neo-Nazi Rusich group, has been observed near Chasiv Yar’s southeastern outskirts. Zaporozhets noted that intercepted communications indicate the use of military terminology by these units, suggesting a certain level of preparedness for assault operations.

The spokesperson also confirmed intensified fighting along the southeastern front, with Russian forces attempting to widen the line of engagement in Donetsk region.

Earlier, Russian forces targeted the Ternivska Dam in the Kurakhove Reservoir, causing significant flooding in nearby villages with water levels reaching up to 1.2 meters. This attack, which aligns with previous Russian tactics such as the destruction of the Kakhovka Dam in 2023, aims to disrupt Ukrainian infrastructure and logistics.