Outgunned Ukrainian Forces Withdraw from Vuhledar to Avoid Encirclement; Russia Captures Strategic Town

Oct 2, 2024, 10:02 AM

Ukrainian forces have withdrawn from the strategic eastern town of Vuhledar in the Donetsk region after more than two years of intense fighting. The Operational Strategic Group Khortytsia confirmed the withdrawal, citing the need to preserve personnel and military equipment amid the threat of encirclement by Russian forces. Despite being outgunned 10:1, Ukrainian troops held Vuhledar against numerous Russian assaults that resulted in the loss of approximately 2,000 Russian soldiers and 300 tanks and armored personnel carriers. Ukrainian forces have now withdrawn to Bohoyavlenka, north of Vuhledar. The capture of Vuhledar by Russian troops paves the way for further advances in eastern Ukraine and represents a significant setback for Ukrainian defense efforts in the region.