Russia seeks to capture Chasiv Yar before May 9 – Zelensky

This was stated by President Vodymyr Zelensky, who spoke on the air of NBC News, Ukrinform reports.

"Russia wants to mobilize 300,000 sdiers by June 1. We are preparing for this. By May 9, Russia expects to have occupied Chasiv Yar in eastern Ukraine. I was recently in the area where I spoke with tros. Our sdiers lack the equipment to fight off Russian reconnaissance drones, which totally adjust Russian artillery fire, and there is also artillery ammunition shortage. I expect we will be able to hd our ground, that armaments arrive in time, and that we will be able to repel the enemy. And then we will thwart Russia's plans for a full-scale counteroffensive in June," the president said.

Read also: Russia ups pressure on Bakhmut axis, including Chasiv Yar – Ukraine military

As reported, the spokesman for the National Guard, Ruslan Muzychuk, said the Russians had pulled up reserves from the Lyman axis toward the town of Chasiv Yar in order to intensify offensive efforts.

May 9 is a symbic date for Russia as on this day, Russia annually celebrates the anniversary of the World War 2 win.