Ukrainian military unit declares withdrawal from city in Donetsk region

By Burc Eruygur

ISTANBUL (AA) - Ukraine’s military on Wednesday said it ordered the withdrawal of its troops from the city of Vuhledar, Donetsk region following a major offensive by Russian forces.

Ukrainian higher command authorized their withdrawal to “preserve personnel and combat equipment” as well as to take up new positions amid a threat of encirclement, according to a statement by the Khortytsia operational-strategic group, a unit of Ukraine’s Ground Forces.

A day earlier, Donetsk Governor Vadym Filashkin said Russian forces had almost reached the center of Vuhledar, though clashes are continuing.

He said it is almost impossible to deliver humanitarian aid to Vuhledar, adding that 107 people still remained in the city.

Russian or top Ukrainian authorities did not immediately comment on the situation.