AFU left Vuhledar? The 72nd Brigade made a statement.

The Vuhledar Brigade refuted rumors of leaving the city

The 72nd Separate Mechanized Brigade named after the Black Zaporizhians, which defends Vuhledar in Donetsk region, denied rumors about its withdrawal from the city. The corresponding video appeared on the official page of OMBbr on Facebook.

A brigade soldier assured that Ukrainian defenders are still holding the line, although Russian occupation forces continue heavy assaults. Loud explosions can be heard in the background of his statement.

«We want to dispel all doubts and the opinion of pseudo-experts that the 72nd Brigade has left the city of Vuhledar. Currently, despite heavy assaults and difficult circumstances, we are in place. Today is 26.09.2024. Glory to Ukraine!» – said the military.

«Vuhledar is ours! Despite heavy assaults and difficult circumstances, we are in place», - a soldier of the 72nd OMBbr named after the Black Zaporizhians reported pic.twitter.com/5NublMFu3Y

— GLAWKOM (@GLAVCOM_UA) September 26, 2024

The reserve withdrawal from Vuhledar depends on the state of the city - military

Recall that according to analysts of the Institute for the Study of War (ISW), Russian invaders advanced last day under Kreminna, Toretsk, Pokrovske, and advanced within and around Vuhledar. Meanwhile, AFU are repelling the occupiers' positions in Vovchansk. 

Earlier, a military man told under what conditions the AFU would leave Vuhledar.

According to him, whether the AFU will withdraw their troops from Vuhledar will depend on the state of the city.

«If it is completely destroyed, if the city buildings are collapsed and there is no possibility to build a quality defense, then perhaps the troops will be withdrawn. If there is a threat to the life and integrity of the military, then most likely they will be withdrawn», – noted the head of the Council of Reservists of the Ground Forces.

Recall that the Russian occupation forces are pressing on Vuhledar in Donetsk region from three sides. According to British intelligence, this will continue throughout next week. 

According to ISW estimates, the capture of Vuhledar is unlikely to give the Russian troops any significant operational advantage for further offensive operations in the western part of Donetsk region.

It is known that for almost two years the 72nd Mechanized Brigade of the AFU has been defending Vuhledar in Donetsk region. During this Time, the strength of the fighters has been exhausted. Currently, they risk being surrounded and cut off, as the Russian occupation forces continue to advance north of the city. This assessment was expressed by Forbes analyst David Axe.

It was previously reported that the commander of the 72nd Separate Mechanized Brigade named after the Black Zaporizhians, which holds the defense in Donetsk region near Vuhledar, Ivan Vynnyk, was relieved of his post.