Eastern Ukraine, Oct 03 (V7N) — After months of intense fighting, Russian forces have successfully captured the key mountain town of Vuledar in eastern Ukraine. This development was confirmed on Wednesday by both Russian media and Ukraine's military, marking a significant victory for Moscow.

Ukraine's army announced the withdrawal of its troops from Vuledar, stating that the move was necessary to avoid encirclement by Russian forces. This strategic retreat was intended to preserve high-ranking personnel and military equipment, Kiev reported.

Russian state media cited reports from Ukraine's crowd-sourced tracking site, Depstate, confirming the capture of the town. Verified footage from CNN showed Russian soldiers raising flags on the ruins of Vuledar's city hall, with Ukrainian forces, including the 72nd Mechanized Brigade, retreating from the area.

Before the conflict, Vuledar, known for its coal mining industry, had a population of around 14,000, but today only about 100 civilians remain in the city, which has suffered extensive destruction.

Vuledar is strategically important due to its elevated terrain and strong defensive position, making its capture a significant milestone for Russia in the ongoing war. Ukrainian military analyst Ivan Stupak previously described Vuledar as the "southern gateway to the Donbass region." Control of the town could allow Russia to push further into the region and expand its hold over eastern Ukraine.

In recent months, Russia has made advances in eastern Ukraine, especially in August and September, despite Ukrainian counteroffensives in the Kursk region. Russian forces have also shifted their focus toward capturing Pokrovsk, a key logistics hub located approximately 50 kilometers north of Vuledar, further complicating Ukraine's defence strategy.

This latest Russian victory underscores the ongoing volatility and shifting dynamics of the war, as both sides continue to battle for control over strategically significant areas in the region.

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