The Russian army conquered Vuhledar after two failed attempts, the town which is considered a powerful Ukrainian stronghold and was heavily fortified before it fell to a third Russian attempt in a year.
The Ukrainian president in a bid to salvage the lives of his troops ordered an immediate withdrawal of the Ukrainian forces from the town but was rather too late as they were already surrounded by Russian troops.
Viral videos began to circulate in the media of Russian troops hoisting the Russian flag and the Soviet Union’s victory flag on a military observation post and other fallen buildings in Vuhledar.
Confirming the video is the Ukrainian media which said it has authenticated the viral video posted by the Russian army.
The Ukrainian media also reported that Ukrainian soldiers were trying to fight their way out of the surrounding town in small groups, leaving wounded comrades and equipment behind.
The capture of the town of Vuhledar is the most significant achievement of the Russian army since the capture of Avdiivka in February.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has yet to make a statement about the Russian victory but Dmitry Peskov, the Russian press secretary has said that the president is waiting for an official report from the defense ministry.
He said, “We are waiting for official information from the Ministry of Defence,”.
Vulhedar was defended by Ukraine’s 72nd Brigade, which is regarded as one of the toughest Ukrainian fighting units, and is known as “The Black Zaporozhians”.