For the Russians, it is crucial to take Vuhledar (Volnovakha district, Donetsk region) because it is a dominant height. As of today, there are up to a hundred civilians remaining in the city, according to Arseniy Prylypka, the Chief of Public Relations of the 72nd Separate Mechanized Brigade named after the Zaporizhian Cossacks.
"The enemy, as always, uses aviation, artillery, destroys both the city of Vuhledar and nearby villages near the front. Recently, we had an assault; they tried to storm our positions. Why? Because Vuhledar is a dominant height. We always remember this, and so does the enemy. They need to take it because without it, it will be difficult for them to move forward. We repelled this assault quite successfully," he said in a telethon broadcast on Tuesday.
According to the spokesperson, during this assault, 90% of the heavy equipment used by the enemy was destroyed. He noted that the enemy currently does not have a "armored fist" there, but armored vehicles are being used, including some tanks operating from covered positions to cover infantry.
"Civilians, unfortunately, remain in the city. There are up to 100 people there, as far as I have information. People are receiving humanitarian aid," Prylypka said.
He added that in villages near Vuhledar, there are more people than in the city because villages are shelled less frequently.