Ukrainian forces ready for operation in Vuhledar, decision may be unexpected for Russia - General Malomuzh 

Army General of Ukraine, former Head of the Foreign Intelligence Service Mykola Malomuzh told on Espreso TV channel.

‘Firstly, we are guided by the fact that Vuhledar is a really important logistics and defense center, which is of tactical importance for our prospects. This applies to both a possible enemy offensive in the direction of Donbas and the maintenance of a logistics route to supply the Donetsk and Zaporizhzhia groups. This is an alternative route to the Crimean one in case the Crimean bridge and ferry crossings are destroyed. It may be one of the alternatives, along with the one that goes from Mariupol to Tokmak, that is, directly through Zaporizhzhia region. That is why the enemy is aiming to capture this center in order to flank Pokrovsk and then, closing our grouping in Vuhledar and a number of other military units, to advance across Donetsk region. But we have information about his strategy. It is clear that Russia is now trying to surround our 72nd Brigade and a number of units in Vuhledar,’ he said.

According to him, the Ukrainian Armed Forces have fortified positions and heights in this area, which give them advantages, but the enemy has a numerical and firepower advantage.

‘This is an extremely difficult situation, so the enemy is gradually advancing in terms of encircling Vuhledar. But as for the future, we are assessing these threats and considering two scenarios. The first and main one, which is being considered by the command, is to strike from the flanks of the enemy coming in from different sides of Vuhledar. This can very effectively devalue its prospects. This is the format that will allow the Armed Forces to block the enemy's capabilities in encircling Vuhledar,’ Malomuzh said.

The second scenario is the withdrawal of the Ukrainian Armed Forces from Vuhledar itself, if it is not possible to group a sufficient number of firepower and forces, the general said:

‘This is an extreme option, which involves holding positions, destroying enemy reserves and continuing defensive positions in new defense sectors behind Vuhledar. These are engineering fortifications that will provide protection in new positions for the reinforced units and those that will leave the besieged Vuhledar. As long as we see that Vuhledar is standing, we are ready for the operation. The command does not disclose the essence of the operation, and this is right. Perhaps there will be an unexpected decision for the enemy in this sector. We hope that we will hold our positions and be able to counterattack the advancing enemy forces,’ he concluded.

• On September 26, members of the 72nd Separate Mechanised Brigade named after the Black Cossacks denied information about their withdrawal from Vuhledar.
• About 100 Ukrainian civilians remain in Vuhledar, Donetsk Oblast, and refuse to leave. At the same time, it is impossible to bring humanitarian aid to the city, as Russia is shelling all roads.