Ukrainian military forces withdrew from the city of Siversk in Donetsk region due to significant advantage of Russian occupiers in manpower and equipment. This was reported by the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine on Tuesday, December 23.

Reasons for Ukrainian Military Withdrawal

According to the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, the decision to withdraw from the settlement was made to preserve the lives of Ukrainian soldiers and combat capability of units. Russian occupiers have a significant advantage in manpower and equipment and despite substantial losses continue active offensive actions.

Russians were able to advance due to significant numerical superiority and constant pressure by small assault groups in difficult weather conditions. At the same time, the ministry notes that Siversk remains under fire control of Ukrainian forces.

Current Situation in the Region

Currently, heavy fighting continues in the Siversk area. According to General Staff representatives, occupiers located in the city are being struck, their logistics are being cut off. Ukrainian forces are blocking enemy units to prevent their further advancement.

Military analyst Kostiantyn Mashovets reported that Siversk is "obviously completely occupied by the enemy," as the Armed Forces of Ukraine could not hold their positions along the Bakhmutka River to the west and south of the city.

Situation in Serebrianka

The 81st Separate Air Assault Brigade of the 7th Corps of the Airborne Forces of Ukraine reported an "extremely difficult" situation in the village of Serebrianka, located northeast of Siversk. The Russian Army is attempting to transfer personnel across the Siverskyi Donets River from the Serebrianske Forestry side.

Analysis from American Experts

Analysts from the American Institute for the Study of War (ISW) noted that Russian efforts in the direction of Siversk were extremely prolonged. Russian forces took 41 months to advance approximately 12 kilometers from Lysychansk to the western administrative border of Siversk.

ISW emphasized that the Kremlin is exaggerating the immediate consequences of capturing Siversk, "trying to falsely show that Russian forces directly threaten the northern part of the fortress belt and are making significant simultaneous advances across the entire front."

Information About Siversk

Siversk is located in the Bakhmut district of Donetsk region, approximately 27 kilometers from Sloviansk and 36 kilometers from Kramatorsk. Before the full-scale invasion, about 11-12 thousand people lived in the city. As of November 2024, about 400 people remained in the Siversk community, 297 of them in Siversk itself.