Russian Forces Storm Vuhledar as Tactical Gains Accelerate

Russian forces have begun storming the eastern Ukrainian town of Vuhledar, advancing at the fastest rate in two years. President Putin's goal is to take the Donbas region, and Russian troops are making significant moves in the Donetsk region. Ukraine is seeking increased Western military support.

Russian forces have initiated an assault on the eastern Ukrainian town of Vuhledar, a resilient stronghold since the 2022 war began. This offensive marks Russia's fastest advancement in two years, confirmed by various open-source maps. The main objective, according to President Vladimir Putin, is to capture the entire Donbas region in southeastern Ukraine, of which Russia currently controls approximately 80%.

As they push westward along the 150-kilometer front in Donetsk, Russian troops have secured Ukrainsk and are now targeting the logistics hub, Pokrovsk. The latest developments have seen Russian units enter Vuhledar, with pro-Russian military bloggers attesting to the town's storming. Russia's defense ministry claimed victories over Ukrainian units at various settlements, including Vuhledar, though specifics were not provided.

Unverified footage showed heavy artillery and aerial bombardments on Vuhledar, previously home to over 14,000 residents. Ukraine's military administration has yet to comment, but experts highlighted Russia's use of guided aerial bombs as a key factor in their advances. Ukraine's Deep State intelligence reports also indicated Russian efforts to encircle Vuhledar with continuous artillery and bombardments.

(With inputs from agencies.)