According to Babel, the 72nd Mechanized Brigade, a unit of the Ukrainian Ground Forces named after the Black Zaporozhians, is currently defending the strategically important city of Vuhledar in Donetsk Oblast. Despite reports on social media claiming a retreat from the city, a soldier from the brigade stated that they are still holding their position against heavy assaults and difficult circumstances.
The defense of Vuhledar began in November 2022 and according to the General Staff, fighting is ongoing in the area. Ruslan Mikula, co-founder of the Deep State analytical project, believes that the length of time the city can hold depends on the pressure from the Russians and the ability of Ukrainian forces to maintain their defense. He estimates that it could last anywhere from a few days to a few weeks.
Mikula also noted that the Russian army is attempting to encircle the Ukrainian Armed Forces in the city and that they have already made advances in the eastern part of Vuhledar. On 25 September, the head of the Donetsk Regional Military Administration, Vadym Filashkin, reported that Russian sabotage and reconnaissance groups were trying to break into the city, but Ukrainian forces were successfully destroying them. However, the situation remains critical as the Russians continue to shell all routes, making it impossible to deliver humanitarian aid to the approximately 100 people who remain in the city.
Previously, Russian war correspondents claimed that their forces were attempting to encircle Vuhledar in a semi-circle. The Ukrainian DeepState analytical project also reported on 24 September that the city was facing complete encirclement. Despite these challenges, Filashkin maintains that Vuhledar is still under Ukrainian control, although the Russians are making advances.
Read More @ euromaidanpress.com