Withdrawal from Vuhledar - Zelenskyy addresses the first official statement
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy (Photo: RBC-Ukraine, Vitalii Nosach)
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, during a press conference with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte in Kyiv, stated that the withdrawal of the Ukrainian Armed Forces from Vuhledar was the right step to save the lives of Ukrainian soldiers. To contain Russia's offensive, Ukraine needs more help from the West.
"We are insistent on using long-range weapons; without the appropriate weapons, we cannot stop Russia, which is using such weapons against us, destroying everything," he said in response to a question about how Ukraine plans further to contain the Russian offensive following the withdrawal from Vuhledar.
Zelenskyy noted that when Russia "destroys the positions of our fighters, they need to save their lives, because they are much more important than any constructions."
"Because these are our people, citizens of Ukraine, it is very correct that they retreat and can save themselves. These are absolutely the right steps. That is why we ask for the necessary authorizations. Can Russia be stopped without this? For today, one of the means is to strengthen Ukraine," said the president.
Withdrawal from Vuhledar
Let us recall, the Ukrainian Armed Forces defended Vuhledar for two years, repelling numerous attacks by Russian forces. Soldiers of the 72nd Brigade began to leave the city last week as supply routes were cut off.
The operational-strategic grouping of forces Khortytsia confirmed on October 2 that the Defense Forces' withdrawal from the city was intended to preserve personnel and military equipment.
As reported by the 72nd Brigade, evacuating the wounded from Vuhledar was difficult due to pressure from the enemy on the flanks. However, the withdrawal from the city allowed for minimizing losses as much as possible.
The press officer of the 72nd Brigade, Arseniy Prylipka, stated that the decision to retreat is made by order or based on circumstances.
