Ukrainian soldiers withdraw from Siversk in Donetsk region - General Staff
Illustrative photo: Ukrainian soldiers continue fighting in the Siversk area (Getty Images)
Ukrainian defenders withdrew from Siversk in the Donetsk region. This decision was made to save the lives of the soldiers, according to the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine on Telegram.
The General Staff noted that heavy fighting continues in the Siversk area. The Russian forces have a significant advantage in equipment and manpower. They continue their offensive attempts despite substantial losses.
Photo: Siversk on the map (screenshot)
"To preserve the lives of our soldiers and the combat capability of our units, Ukrainian defenders withdrew from the settlement. During the battles for Siversk, the Ukrainian defense forces exhausted the enemy, with every meter of the city costing the opponent dearly," the Ukrainian military command emphasized.
The General Staff explained that the enemy advanced due to a significant advantage in manpower and constant pressure from small assault groups in difficult weather conditions.
"The city remains under the fire control of our troops. The occupiers in the city are being defeated, their logistics are being cut off. Enemy units are being blocked to prevent further advances," they added.
Ukrainian defenders continue to carry out combat missions in the Sloviansk direction.
Fighting in Siversk
On December 13, British intelligence reported that Russian soldiers were entering Siversk under the cover of fog. At that time, the occupiers had already managed to take control of the central part of the city.
Meanwhile, Ukrainian forces continued to hold the western part of the city.
Earlier, on December 10, analysts from the interactive map DeepState reported that Siversk was "gradually falling" into the hands of the Russian troops.
At the same time, the Eastern Operational Command stated that rumors about Russian control over the city were not true.
