Russian forces have entered the town of Vuhledar in Donetsk Oblast, sparking heavy fighting as they push toward the center of the town.
Governor Vadym Filashkin described the situation on October 1 as "extremely difficult," saying, "The enemy has almost reached the center."
With battles raging inside Vuhledar, bringing in humanitarian aid has become nearly impossible. About 107 civilians are still in the town, though all children have been evacuated, Filashkin added.
For nearly two years, Ukraine's 72nd Mechanized Brigade has defended Vuhledar, which has faced constant attacks since the full-scale invasion began in 2022.
Just days earlier, the brigade released a video from the town, assuring that they were holding their ground despite rumors of a retreat.
Reports now suggest that Russian troops have entered Vuhledar from the west and south, according to the monitoring website DeepState.
Recent advances by Russian forces on the outskirts of the town have added pressure on Ukrainian defenders, as noted by the Institute for the Study of War (ISW).
Vuhledar’s Strategic Importance
Vuhledar is located about 50 kilometers (30 miles) southwest of occupied Donetsk and 40 kilometers (25 miles) from the border with Zaporizhzhia Oblast. The town plays a key role in Ukraine's defense of southern Donetsk.
Federico Borsari, a fellow at the Center for European Policy Analysis (CEPA), highlighted Vuhledar’s strategic value, warning that its loss could threaten the entire southwestern part of Donetsk Oblast that is still under Ukrainian control.
The town sits near major roads, including the O-0532 road and the T-0509 highway, which are vital for Ukrainian logistics and defenses. As Russian forces press from the east, Ukraine risks being cut off if similar advances occur from the south.
