Ukraine Withdraws from Siversk, Key Battleground in the East

The Ukrainian military announced on the 23rd (local time) that it has withdrawn from Siversk, one of the major battlegrounds.

In a statement on Telegram, the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine said, "In order to preserve the lives of our soldiers and the combat capability of our units, the Ukrainian defense forces have withdrawn from the area," adding, "Russian occupying forces hold a significant advantage in both personnel and equipment."

An apartment in Sloviansk, Ukraine, damaged by a Russian airstrike on the 3rd (local time). Photo by Reuters Yonhap News

The General Staff stated, "In the battle for Siversk, the Ukrainian defense forces inflicted heavy losses on the enemy, and every district of the city came at a great cost to them." However, it also noted, "The invaders were able to advance due to their considerable numerical superiority, sustained pressure, and the use of small assault units even under severe weather conditions."

Nevertheless, the General Staff explained, "The city remains under our fire control," adding, "We are striking the occupying forces that remain in the city and disrupting their logistics network." It further stated, "Blocking operations are underway to prevent additional enemy advances."

Siversk is located about 30 kilometers from Kramatorsk and Sloviansk, major cities where Ukraine still maintains control in Donetsk, and has recently seen intense fighting.

Earlier this month, Russian forces claimed to have fully captured Siversk, but the Ukrainian side denied this.

However, the General Staff stated, "The defense forces continue to carry out combat missions in the direction of Sloviansk," and added, "All measures are being taken to degrade the enemy units' offensive capabilities."