Capturing Vuhledar unlikely to give Russians significant operational advantage - ISW

Russian forces are also attempting to advance on the northeastern flank of Vuhledar through Vodiane and the southwestern flank through Prechystivka, likely aiming to encircle the Ukrainian forces in Vuhledar and force them to retreat.

Russian forces may manage to capture all of Vuhledar, but how quickly or easily they can achieve this will likely depend, in part, on the decisions made by Ukrainian forces. Should Ukrainian forces decide to defend Vuhledar, the occupiers may face difficulties in fighting for a settlement that Ukraine has fortified over the past two years.

If the Russians do not seize the settlement relatively quickly, their maneuver along the flanks of Vuhledar could also be hampered by the onset of autumn rains, according to ISW.

Nevertheless, a potential Russian capture of Vuhledar is unlikely to radically alter the course of offensive operations in the western Donetsk region, according to analysts at the Institute. They note that Vuhledar is not a particularly important logistical hub, as Russian forces already control most of the main roads leading to it.

Capturing the settlement will not immediately grant Russian forces access to a new road, nor will it cut off Ukrainian forces from a road crucial for their logistical support. A potential Russian capture of Vuhledar will also not necessarily provide Russian forces with a favorable position for launching further offensive operations in other parts of the western Donetsk region, ISW analysts added.

It should be recalled that Vuhledar, which was previously advantageous for defense due to its elevated position, has suffered significant damage after Russian active attacks with guided aerial bombs. As a result, Russians managed to advance to the flanks of Ukrainian defenses.