Ukraine to withdraw from Vuhledar should urban defense fail and soldiers lives at stake

“The enemy is trying to advance on the flanks where they have found opportunities due to the geographical layout and the absence of urban development that would make it easy to hold positions or build fortifications,” Tymochko explained.

According to him, Vuhledar is now not encircled, although the Russian forces have made some advances.

“Yes, the hostilities in the area are very intense. However, it is important to distinguish between encirclement and flank battles,” the military official noted.

Answering question about whether the AFU will withdraw troops, Tymochko explained that it would depend on the situation in the city.

“If it is completely destroyed, if the urban development is demolished and there is no possibility of establishing a quality defense, then perhaps the troops will be withdrawn," he added.

"If there is a threat to the lives of the soldiers, then they are likely to be withdrawn.”

On Sept. 24, the DeepState monitoring group reported that the situation around Vuhledar is critical and continues to deteriorate, with the Russian army attempting to encircle the city while simultaneously bombing it.

The 72nd Black Zaporozhians Separate Mechanized Brigade may have begun a gradual withdrawal from Vuhledar in Donetsk Oblast to more secure positions, Forbes analyst David Axe reported on Sept. 25.