Russian troops have successfully seized complete control of Vuhledar, a strategically significant eastern city that Ukrainian forces have defended since the onset of Russia’s full-scale invasion two and a half years ago. On Wednesday, Ukraine’s eastern military command confirmed that it had instructed its remaining troops in Vuhledar to retreat to avoid encirclement.
The battle for Vuhledar has been intense, with Russian forces aiming to capture the city to advance towards crucial transportation hubs like Kurakhove and Pokrovsk. Pro-Kremlin military bloggers shared videos showing Russian soldiers waving flags atop buildings in Vuhledar, indicating a significant breakthrough. Reports from Donetsk regional authorities confirmed that Russian troops were nearing the city center, while some Ukrainian forces were reportedly still engaged in scattered defense.
Ukrainian soldiers from the 72nd brigade who managed to escape the city recounted their harrowing experiences. Many soldiers had to navigate their way out on foot, as evacuating them by vehicle became impossible due to heavy Russian drone and artillery fire. Casualties were high, with several wounded and many still unaccounted for.
Moscow has been relentless in its attempts to capture Vuhledar since the full-scale invasion began in February 2022, with previous assaults thwarted. Recently, the Russian military adapted its strategy, opting for flanking maneuvers instead of direct frontal assaults. Last month, they captured the villages of Prechystivka to the west and Vodyane to the east, successfully surrounding the city.
The situation in Vuhledar grew dire when Russian forces effectively cut off the last remaining supply route, making it nearly impossible to send aid or evacuate the wounded. As the fighting escalated, the number of civilians still in Vuhledar dwindled from a pre-war population of 14,000 to around 100, according to local authorities.
Ukrainian defenders faced overwhelming odds, with Russian artillery and drone strikes wreaking havoc on their positions. Communication breakdowns further complicated their efforts, leaving some troops disoriented and forced to make split-second decisions in the chaos of battle. Many soldiers expressed frustration with their command for not ordering an earlier withdrawal, believing that the situation had become untenable long before the final assault.
With the focus now shifting away from Vuhledar in official military briefings, the fate of the remaining Ukrainian forces and civilians in the city remains uncertain as the conflict continues to escalate.