Main image: Vuhledar. Everything that remains of the city after 25 months of defense. The operational-strategic grouping "Khortytsia" has confirmed the withdrawal of our units from the city.
The Defense Forces of Ukraine have withdrawn from Vuhledar in the Donetsk region to preserve personnel and military equipment.
According to the operational-strategic grouping of troops Khortytsia on Telegram, the decision followed significant losses sustained in prolonged battles. The Russian forces has continued attempts to capture Vuhledar.
In their efforts to take the city at any cost, the Russian forces has redirected reserves to conduct flanking attacks, which have exhausted the defenses of Ukrainian Armed Forces units. As a result, there was a threat of encirclement.
To protect the lives of Ukrainian soldiers and equipment, the command authorized the withdrawal of forces from Vuhledar.
"The higher command has granted permission for the maneuver to withdraw units from Vuhledar to preserve personnel and military equipment and to take up positions for further actions," the Defense Forces reported.
Vuhledar is located in the Volnovakha district of Donetsk region, approximately 57 kilometers from Donetsk. The defensive operation in this area has been ongoing for two years.