Could Vuhledar occupation grant Russia operational edge in eastern Ukraine?

The Institute for the Study of War (ISW) reported the information.

According to analysts, Russian forces are approaching the outskirts of Vuhledar. They are additionally trying to advance on the northeastern flank of the city through Vodiane and the southwestern flank through Prechystivka, probably trying to encircle Ukrainian forces.

“Russian forces may manage to seize all of Vuhledar, but how quickly or easily they are able to do so will likely be contingent partially on Ukrainian decision-making,” ISW writes.

Russian forces may face challenges in attempting to capture Vuhledar, which Ukrainian troops have been fortifying for the past two years.

Analysts suggest that Vuhledar is not a critical logistical hub, as Russian forces already control most of the key roads leading to the city. Even if Vuhledar were captured, it may not provide Russian troops with a strategically advantageous position for launching further offensives in other parts of the western Donetsk region.

• On September 24, DeepState reported that the occupying Russian army was trying to raze Vuhledar in the Donetsk region to the ground. The situation around the city is “critical and continues to deteriorate."