Russia Makes Gains Near ‘Fortress’ Vuhledar as Its Donbas Offensive Rolls On

Ukrainian forces holding out in strategic Donbas town despite heavy bombardment

Russia claims progress in direction of Bakhmut as Ukraine pleads for Western fighter jets

Russia has secured marginal gains in the battle for the eastern Ukrainian town of Vuhledar, a key target in its ongoing offensive to seize control of the Donbas region, according to military analysts and local officials. The town, located about 100 kilometers southwest of Bakhmut, another pivotal flashpoint in the conflict, has been under relentless Russian bombardment for weeks. Despite the intense shelling, Ukrainian forces have managed to repel several Russian assaults and maintain control of the strategically important settlement. "The Russians have made some progress in the direction of Vuhledar, but they have not been able to break through our defenses," said Serhiy Cherevaty, a spokesman for the Ukrainian military's eastern command. "Our troops are holding their ground and inflicting heavy losses on the enemy." The fighting in Vuhledar comes as Russia intensifies its offensive in the Donbas, a predominantly Russian-speaking region in eastern Ukraine that Moscow has been seeking to control since 2014. Russian forces have been making gradual advances in the area, capturing several small towns and villages in recent weeks. The battle for Bakhmut has been particularly bloody, with both sides suffering heavy casualties. Russian forces have reportedly deployed thousands of Wagner Group mercenaries, a private military company known for its brutal tactics, in an attempt to overwhelm Ukrainian defenses. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has repeatedly appealed to Western allies to provide Ukraine with fighter jets to help counter Russia's air superiority. However, Western countries have been hesitant to deliver fighter jets to Ukraine, fearing that it could escalate the conflict and risk a direct confrontation with Russia. Despite the challenges, Ukrainian forces have vowed to continue defending the Donbas region and drive Russian forces out of the territory. The outcome of the battle for Vuhledar and Bakhmut will likely have a significant impact on the overall course of the war in Ukraine.