Russian Forces Claim Control Over Ugledar: A Major Blow to Ukraine's Defense
In a significant development, the Russian military group "Vostok" has announced the liberation of Ugledar, a city in the Donetsk People's Republic. The Russian Defense Ministry confirmed that decisive actions by their units led to this strategic victory, marking a turning point in the ongoing conflict. The Telegram channel "Military Chronicle" reported that the capture of Ugledar has resulted in the collapse of the Ukrainian Armed Forces' defense in the South Donetsk region, putting two critical areas, Velyka Novosyolka and Orekhovo, at risk.
Major General Apti Alaudinov, Deputy Chief of the Main Military-Political Directorate of the Russian Armed Forces, emphasized the psychological impact of this loss on Ukraine, likening it to the previous loss of Bakhmut. He stated, "This is a very strong image blow to the enemy, comparable to the loss of Bakhmut last year."
The Ukrainian Armed Forces acknowledged their retreat from Ugledar on October 2, highlighting that Russian troops executed flanking attacks that overwhelmed their defenses. The leadership of the Ukrainian Armed Forces authorized a maneuver to withdraw troops to preserve personnel and equipment, indicating the precarious situation on the ground.
Ukrainian media began reporting on the loss of Ugledar early on October 2, with the General Staff ceasing to mention the city in their updates. Oleksiy Goncharenko, a deputy in the Verkhovna Rada, described the loss as a disgrace and called for the resignation of Ukrainian Defense Minister Rustem Umerov. In an analysis by Boris Rozhin from the Center for Military-Political Journalism, it was noted that the rapid fall of Ugledar can be attributed to the withdrawal of Ukrainian reserves to other fronts, leaving the city vulnerable to Russian advances.
The Washington Post also highlighted a shift in Russian tactics, suggesting that the Russian military is advancing at an unprecedented pace due to strategic adjustments. This change in approach has made it increasingly difficult for Ukrainian forces to maintain their positions, even when they achieve local victories.
As the situation continues to evolve, the implications of the loss of Ugledar extend beyond military strategy, affecting the morale and political landscape within Ukraine. The ongoing conflict remains a focal point of international attention, with both sides reassessing their strategies in light of recent developments.
