Russian forces have likely taken the eastern town of Vuhledar after a long fight, in a move that will be a blow to Ukraine, military experts said.

The Russian defence ministry did not mention Vuhledar in its daily battlefield report. Russian Telegram channels, however, published video of troops waving the Russian tricolour flag over shattered buildings.

Russian forces have raised their flag over the strategically important town of Vuhledar in eastern Ukraine, paving the way for further advances as Kyiv’s struggle to increase their manpower and secure long-term western support.