Ukrainian troops have withdrawn from the embattled eastern town of Siversk, as Russia continues its steady - albeit slow - advance.
The Ukrainian military stated on Tuesday that this decision was taken to preserve the lives of our soldiers and the combat capability of units in response to a significant manpower advantage held by Russian forces.
The capture of Siversk brings Russia closer to the remaining fortress belt cities of Sloviansk and Kramatorsk, which are still under Ukrainian control in the industrial Donetsk region.
The day prior, a series of massive overnight Russian drone and missile strikes resulted in the deaths of three people, including a young child.
Russia has been actively pursuing its military objectives in Ukraine since launching a full-scale invasion in February 2022, and now controls approximately 20% of Ukrainian territory. In the Donetsk region, Moscow holds around 75% of the area.
Despite ongoing engagements and heavy losses, the Ukrainian military has indicated that Russian troops are continuing their offensive actions in the Siversk area. This latest withdrawal underscores the continuous toll of the conflict.
Prior to the onset of the Russian invasion, Siversk housed about 11,000 residents, with the town now described as virtually wiped out due to extensive fighting.
U.S. President Donald Trump has reportedly pressed Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to consider territorial concessions in ongoing peace negotiations, but Zelensky has remained firm against such measures, demanding robust security guarantees instead.
As the winter chill sets in, further attacks on Ukraine's energy infrastructure led to power outages in multiple regions, and the situation for civilians remains dire as emergency measures are put in place to manage energy use amidst an escalating military threat.
