Russian forces have advanced near the heart of Vuhledar, located in eastern Ukraine, according to Vadym Filashkin, the regional governor. In a televised interview, Filashkin described the situation as “extremely difficult.” The fighting between Ukraine and Russia in the east has led to this critical juncture. Ukraine’s national broadcaster, Suspilne, spoke to two members of the 72nd Mechanized Brigade defending the city. They mentioned that although Russian troops control most of the town, some areas remain under Ukrainian control. The soldiers noted that they had not been ordered to withdraw from Vuhledar.
Vuhledar holds significant strategic value, being near the junction of two major fronts—eastern and southern Ukraine. The popular fighting blog DeepState reported that Russian forces now occupy the town and have raised flags across the area. Videos circulating online show Russian soldiers waving flags atop bombed-out multi-story buildings. They are also setting up another flag on a metal tower. Reuters confirmed the authenticity of the footage by comparing it to street patterns in Vuhledar.
Meanwhile, in Russia, the government’s decision to increase defense spending has sparked mixed reactions. An 80-year-old retiree named Irina expressed shock. She told Agence France-Presse in Moscow that the fighting should end. It is wrong to prioritize military spending over social welfare. Russia plans to allocate over 40% of its budget to defense and security. This allocation outstrips the funds for social programs and education combined.
The Many Russian citizens
Many Russian citizens are feeling the strain. A 70-year-old woman named Irina is lamenting her pension of only 25,000 rubles (around US$260) a month. She calls it “pennies” and criticizes the lack of resources for healthcare and education. Another pensioner, Elena, aged 68, voiced her opposition to military action. She criticized the government’s spending priorities. This criticism comes during a time when many Russians are struggling.
However, some in Moscow support the defense budget increase. A 49-year-old lawyer, Vladimir, remarked that additional defense funding is justified in the current climate. This is true as long as it doesn’t come at the expense of critical sectors like education and healthcare. Another resident, also named Vladimir, emphasized the need for defense spending. He cited the perceived threat from NATO. He stated, “We have to do something. We can’t do it any other way.”
On the eastern front, Ukraine’s authorities are investigating an incident involving the execution of 16 Ukrainian soldiers who had surrendered. Ukraine’s prosecutor general, Andriy Kostin, said the alleged fighting crime occurred on the Pokrovsk front and was captured on video.
In another development, a Russian artillery strike hit a market in Kherson, southern Ukraine. The strike killed at least six people and injured three others. The attack occurred as Ukrainians observed a moment of silence for their military and fallen comrades. Across the country, people paused at 9 a.m. to honor those defending Ukraine and those who have made the ultimate sacrifice.
About The Ukrainian in Kyiv City
In Kyiv, residents gathered at Independence Square, holding photos of fallen soldiers. Angelina Stashenko carried a photo of her brother, Denys, who was killed in May during the fighting in Donetsk. Her mother, Halyna, expressed hope that future generations will remember the price paid for freedom. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy marked the occasion by calling for more support from Western allies. He stressed that Russia’s daily attacks on Ukrainian life must be stopped.
Zelenskyy also highlighted Ukraine’s growing defense capabilities. He announced that the country’s defense industry had produced more artillery and mortar ammunition in the first half of 2024. This amount exceeded all of 2022’s production. Zelenskyy addressed a defense conference in Kyiv. It was attended by nearly 300 weapons companies, both domestic and foreign. He praised Ukraine’s ability to scale up production despite ongoing Russian attacks. He noted that Ukraine can now produce 4 million drones annually.
Ukraine’s prime minister, Denys Shmygal, reported that half of the ammunition used at the front is now domestically produced. This is in addition to relying on international military aid. Ukraine is also manufacturing Neptune anti-ship missiles, which have been successfully deployed against Russian vessels in the Black Sea. In August, Zelenskyy announced the successful test of the first Ukrainian-made long-range missile.
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