Russian Troops Seize Control of Vuhledar in Eastern Ukraine
KYIV — In a dramatic turn of events, Russian troops have successfully taken complete control of the eastern city of Vuhledar, a key stronghold that Ukrainian forces have been fiercely defending for the past two and a half years amidst Moscow’s relentless invasion.
Ukraine’s eastern military command confirmed on Wednesday that they had issued orders for the remaining troops in Vuhledar to retreat in order to avoid being encircled by advancing Russian forces.
For over two years, Russia has been relentlessly pursuing the capture of Vuhledar to facilitate its northward expansion and gain access to crucial regional transportation hubs like Kurakhove and Pokrovsk.
Pro-Kremlin military bloggers had shared videos showing Russian soldiers proudly hoisting flags atop various buildings in Vuhledar, signaling their successful occupation of the city.
Reports from Donetsk regional authorities indicated that Russian troops had nearly reached the city center, while some Ukrainian forces were still holding on in certain districts despite the overwhelming odds.
Speaking to the BBC, soldiers from the 72nd brigade revealed that they managed to evacuate from Vuhledar before the final assault and establish new defensive positions in the vicinity, acknowledging the withdrawal of Ukrainian troops from the city.
Escaping the besieged city proved to be a harrowing ordeal for Ukrainian soldiers, with many having to navigate on foot amidst heavy Russian drone and artillery fire, resulting in casualties and missing personnel.
Moscow’s repeated attempts to capture Vuhledar were met with fierce resistance, including a major tank battle last year, but a recent strategic shift by the Russian army to encircle the city from the flanks ultimately led to its fall.
With a significant numerical and firepower advantage, Russian forces managed to breach Ukrainian defense lines and cut off vital supply routes, leaving the city vulnerable to a decisive takeover.
As the situation deteriorated, evacuation efforts for civilians and wounded soldiers became increasingly challenging, with only a few remaining inhabitants in the war-torn city struggling to access essential supplies and medical aid.
The chaotic withdrawal of Ukrainian units from Vuhledar underscored the immense pressure faced by defenders as they grappled with communication breakdowns and overwhelming Russian firepower, forcing them to make split-second decisions to retreat.
Despite the valiant efforts of Ukrainian troops, the relentless bombardment and strategic encirclement by Russian forces made holding onto Vuhledar unsustainable, leading to a perilous escape for those remaining in the city.
The plight of exhausted and disillusioned soldiers who managed to flee on foot highlights the toll of the prolonged conflict and raises questions about the leadership decisions that shaped the tragic outcome in Vuhledar.
While military officials declined to comment on the events in Vuhledar, the silence in official briefings underscores the gravity of the situation and the challenges faced by Ukrainian forces in the ongoing conflict.
