Russian Forces Capture Strategic Eastern City of Vuhledar in Ukraine

Russian troops have taken full control of the eastern Ukrainian city of Vuhledar after over two years of intense fighting, marking a significant victory for Moscow in its ongoing invasion. Ukrainian forces, which had been defending the city since the start of the Russian invasion in February 2022, were ordered to withdraw to avoid encirclement, according to Ukraine’s eastern military command.

The capture of Vuhledar is a critical blow to Ukraine as the city is strategically located for Russia to advance further north toward key regional transport hubs such as Kurakhove and Pokrovsk. For more than two years, Moscow has attempted to seize the city, but its efforts had been repelled until now.

On Tuesday, pro-Kremlin military bloggers posted videos showing Russian soldiers raising flags over various buildings in the city. Ukrainian forces are still believed to be holding on to some districts, but their presence is rapidly diminishing. Soldiers from Ukraine’s 72nd brigade, who managed to escape before the final assault, confirmed that their troops have withdrawn.

The Ukrainian retreat has been fraught with danger. Soldiers had to escape Vuhledar on foot due to the impossibility of evacuation by vehicle, with many being targeted by Russian drones and artillery during their withdrawal. Survivors have reported heavy casualties, with many troops still missing.

Russia’s success in Vuhledar came after a shift in tactics, focusing on surrounding the city through a pincer movement rather than launching direct frontal assaults. Last month, Russian forces captured the nearby villages of Prechystivka and Vodyane, allowing them to flank the Ukrainian defenders and cut off supply lines.

The Ukrainian defense faced overwhelming odds, with some soldiers estimating the ratio of Russian to Ukrainian forces as seven to one. The situation became dire when Russian forces effectively severed the last lifeline road leading out of the city, making it nearly impossible to evacuate the wounded or resupply troops.

As Russian forces closed in, around 100 civilians remained trapped in Vuhledar, out of a pre-war population of 14,000. Local officials said it has become increasingly difficult to deliver humanitarian aid, with intense fighting continuing in the area.

Ukraine’s military leadership has remained silent on the situation in Vuhledar, with no official comments from the 72nd brigade or the General Staff regarding the city’s fall. However, Ukrainian soldiers on the ground expressed frustration, stating that the decision to retreat should have been made earlier to avoid further losses.