Russia seizes strategic town in eastern Ukraine, Ukraine admits to withdraw after 2 years of resistance

On October 2, reports from Reuters and Ukrainian media revealed that Russian forces have taken complete control of the strategic eastern Ukrainian town of Vuhledar, marking a significant turning point in the ongoing conflict that has escalated since 2022. This shift follows a considerable withdrawal of Ukrainian troops, who had successfully resisted Russian advances for two years.

Vuhledar has long been a stronghold for Ukrainian forces. A Telegram account associated with Russian social media displayed visuals of Russian soldiers celebrating on the roof of a damaged administrative building in the area. According to the Moscow Komsomolskaya Pravda, the renowned Ukrainian 72nd Mechanized Brigade, noted for its fierce resistance, ultimately retreated from Vuhledar on the night of October 1, leading to the town’s collapse.

Confirmation of Russian control over Vuhledar has come from both the Telegram channel SHOT and pro-Russian military bloggers. Although the Russian military has not yet issued an official statement, the Khortytsia group, in charge of eastern Ukrainian forces, acknowledged the withdrawal on October 2.

The Khortytsia group explained, “The command has authorized the troops to maneuver out of Vuhledar in order to preserve personnel and military equipment and to facilitate a smoother transition for future operations.”

According to Reuters, Russian forces had captured the logistical hub of Ukrainiansk near Pokrovsk on September 17, effectively encircling Vuhledar and forcing Ukrainian troops to decide between retreating or risking capture.

Moreover, Russian forces have increasingly employed pincers tactics to isolate and pressure Ukrainian positions. Images from the conflict illustrate heavy bombardment of Vuhledar, with both sides avoiding exact casualty figures but claiming significant losses for the opponent.

Geographically, Vuhledar holds considerable strategic importance, located along key rail lines that connect Crimea to the eastern Donbas industrial region and serving as a junction for the eastern and southern frontlines. Control over this area is vital, as it could enable Russian forces to advance further into Ukrainian territory and potentially break through Ukrainian defenses from behind.

Pro-Russian bloggers speculate that with Vuhledar now secured, Russian forces may aim for an advance toward Velyka Novosilka, situated just over thirty kilometers west of Vuhledar. The Kyiv Independent highlighted that Vuhledar was the last fortified town before reaching Velyka Novosilka, as well as the southern regions still held by Ukrainian forces.