Russia overcomes 2-year resistance to seize Eastern Ukraine’s Vuhledar

Russian forces have successfully captured the strategically important eastern Ukrainian town of Vuhledar after nearly two years of fierce resistance since Moscow’s full-scale invasion in 2022. The town, which had a population of over 14,000 before the war, now lies devastated with Soviet-era buildings destroyed.

Despite Ukrainian forces ordering a pullback to avoid encirclement, Russian troops have made significant advances in the region, controlling just under a fifth of Ukraine. President Vladimir Putin has declared Russia’s goal to take the entirety of the Donbas region, with Russia currently controlling about 80% of the area.

Since the initial invasion in February 2022, the conflict has intensified with dynamic movements on the battlefield. Russian forces have been implementing pincer tactics to trap Ukrainian strongholds and continue their advance westward towards other key points in the region.