On October 3, President Volodymyr Zelensky stated that the decision made by the Ukrainian military to withdraw from the town of Vuhledar was the right one, as it helped save the lives of Ukrainian soldiers. He made this statement during a joint press conference with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte in Kyiv, in response to a journalist’s question.
Zelensky emphasized the importance of having appropriate weapons to defend against Russian aggression. He stated that when Russian forces attack and destroy Ukrainian positions, the safety and lives of Ukrainian soldiers must be the top priority, even if it means abandoning buildings or territory.
Vuhledar, located in the southern part of Donetsk Oblast, has been under heavy attack by Russian forces since 2022. On October 2, Ukrainian forces announced their withdrawal from the town after Russian troops surrounded it and entered its borders.
Zelensky stressed that the soldiers who defended Vuhledar are Ukrainian citizens and their lives are of utmost importance. He commended their heroic service and stated that it was the right decision for them to leave and save themselves.
The president also called upon Ukraine’s partners to expedite the delivery of weapons to help defend against Russian aggression. In a previous address on September 30, Zelensky acknowledged the challenging situation on the front lines, with Russian forces also targeting other towns in Donetsk Oblast such as Pokrovsk and Toretsk. He also mentioned that Russian troops are gathering in the southeastern Zaporizhzhia Oblast, indicating possible future attacks in that region.
In conclusion, Zelensky reiterated the importance of protecting the lives of Ukrainian soldiers and urged for support from Ukraine’s allies in the face of Russian aggression.
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