The Telegraph: Russia secures control of key Ukrainian stronghold in eastern Donbas, securing biggest victory since February

Russian forces reportedly captured the Ukrainian town of Vuhledar, marking Moscow’s most significant battlefield success since taking Avdiivka in February, The Telegraph reported on 1 October.

The Telegraph reports that Russian troops have raised their national flag and Soviet victory banners on buildings in the frontline town.

This alleged capture comes after a series of costly failed Russian assaults on Vuhledar over the past two and a half years. Russia made at least two major offensive efforts to seize Vuhledar in October-November 2022 and January-February 2023, resulting in significant losses of personnel and equipment.

According to the report, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy ordered the withdrawal of his forces from Vuhledar, previously considered an “impregnable fortress” for Ukraine. However, Russian military bloggers claim “the retreat came too late,” as Kremlin troops had already surrounded the town.

The Telegraph notes that Ukrainian military bloggers authenticated videos showing Russian soldiers raising flags on ruined buildings across Vuhledar.

Vuhledar is strategically important because it sits on high ground above a crucial east-west road. This position reportedly could be used as a launchpad for Russian forces to attack other Ukrainian military transport hubs to the west.

Analysts suggest that the victory in Vuhledar may be seen as a validation of Russia’s mass-infantry tactics, which have resulted in steady gains along the front line over the past year, albeit at a significant cost.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has not yet commented on the capture of Vuhledar. However, his press secretary, Dmitry Peskov, said that Putin was personally monitoring the battle and awaiting official confirmation from the defense ministry.

Russian forces had been attempting to capture Vuhledar since the start of the war, particularly in 2022 and 2023.

According to the report, Russian forces regrouped and launched a series of attacks in May and June with increased troops, artillery, and glide bombs. By early September, Russian soldiers had reached the eastern edge of the town following intense bombardments.

The Telegraph notes that Ukrainian commanders in Vuhledar complained of lacking sufficient air power to repel Russian forces. By last weekend, senior Ukrainian commanders reportedly knew the battle was lost and ordered units to retreat or surrender.

The Khortytsia military unit reported on 2 October that Ukrainian units were withdrawn from Vuhledar “in order to preserve personnel and military equipment, to take a position for further actions,” Suspilne reported.

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