Ukrainian military in Donbas adopt retreat tactics.

Ukrainian military decided to leave the city of Vuhledar, but this is not a sign of defeat. This tactic is part of a strategy to exhaust Russian troops. This information is provided by The New York Times.

Ukraine is using a tactic of "trading space for Russian losses," which means gradually retreating but inflicting maximum losses on the enemy. This helps reduce losses of the Ukrainian army, preserve personnel, and exhaust Russian forces. Military analyst Mykola Bielieskov noted that the main goal is to weaken the enemy rather than hold territory.

Throughout the summer, Russian forces attacked Ukrainian positions several times with significant forces but suffered heavy losses. Ukrainian commanders, including Oleksandr Solonko from the 411th unmanned battalion, explain that retreat is a smart decision for preserving soldiers' lives.

Due to the exhaustion of Russian resources from their offensive, the situation in Donbas has worsened. Russian troops have made advances, but to gain full control over Donbas, they need to capture much more territory.

The success of the war is measured by losses

Military analyst Franz-Stefan Gady emphasized that success in this war is measured not by control of individual cities but by the losses sustained by both sides in the battles.

In early October, it was reported that the Russian army occupied Vuhledar. According to ISW, Ukrainian forces conducted a planned withdrawal from the city to avoid encirclement. The military stated that the main goal is preserving personnel and equipment for future operations.

The press officer of the 72nd Separate Mechanized Brigade of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, Arseniy Prilipka, noted that the evacuation of the wounded was difficult, but the retreat from the city allowed them to minimize losses.