Russia Continues Heavy Assaults on Vuhledar in Donetsk Region, Situation “Steadily Tense”, Says Ukrainian Military

Russian forces continue to assault the town of Vuhledar in Donetsk region, with the situation described as “steadily tense,” reported a commander of Ukraine’s 72nd Mechanized Brigade, call sign “Oscar” in an interview with Suspilne on Sept. 24. Oscar highlighted the increasing pressure near Vuhledar, despite signs of stabilization in other areas such as Pokrovsk.

Vuhledar, a strategic frontline town located approximately 50 kilometers southwest of occupied Donetsk and 40 kilometers east of Zaporizhzhia region border, has become the focal point of Russia’s offensive in the sector. The 72nd Mechanized Brigade has been defending the town for nearly two years, as Russian forces have made repeated attempts to capture it since the full-scale invasion began in 2022.

Russian troops are constantly launching assaults on Vuhledar from multiple directions along the front line, seeking any opportunity to break through, Oscar said. “As soon as Russian forces find an opening, they deploy their attack units,” he added.

“All types of troops and every available equipment are being deployed in this direction,” Oscar noted. He also pointed out that the enemy is using “disposable” equipment, with Ukrainian forces regularly destroying approaching armored vehicles during non-stop assaults.

The Russians deployed the same tactics they used to capture Avdiivka, Bakhmut and other Ukrainian cities in the region with only one difference — now they are storming Ukrainian flanks, trying to encircle the entire town.

Vuhledar, small mining town has been fortified since 2014 as is was lying close to the front line even before the Russian full-scale invasion. Its defense has become a crucial part of Ukraine’s southern front in Donetsk region, withstanding multiple assaults since 2022.

The capture of the town will open the road for the Russian forces to occupy the entire southwest of the Donetsk region, exposing Ukrainian flanks near Pokrovsk.