Ukraine Confirms Pullout From Siversk After Weeks of Intense Fighting

The decision was taken as Russian forces pressed the assault with superior manpower and equipment, according to the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. 

Despite heavy losses, Russian troops continued attacks using small assault groups and constant pressure, the General Staff said. Ukrainian forces withdrew to preserve combat capability.

“Every meter of Siversk cost the enemy dearly,” the military said, stressing that the town remains under Ukrainian fire control. Russian units inside the city are being targeted, their supply lines disrupted, and their movements blocked to prevent further advances.

Ukrainian forces continue operations on the Sloviansk axis, the statement said.

Russian President Vladimir Putin announced on Dec. 11 that Siversk had been captured, claiming that its capture would pave the way for further successful advances.

Attempts to seize the city have intensified since Dec. 8, when the open-source battlefield map DeepState UA reported that Russian infantry had begun moving into Siversk.

However, on Dec. 10, Ukraine’s “East” Operational Command denied reports of Russian control, though it said the situation remained tense.

According to the command, small Russian assault groups were infiltrating the city under the cover of poor weather, while Ukrainian forces continued eliminating Russian troops both inside Siversk and on their approaches.

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Russian troops have also attempted to place flags on central buildings to create a false impression of occupation, the command said.

On Dec. 13, British intelligence reported Russian troops slipping into Siversk under cover of fog and reaching the city center, while Ukrainian forces held the west.