Ukrainian troops have withdrawn from the embattled eastern town of Siversk, as Russia continues its steady - albeit slow - advance. The Ukrainian military said on Tuesday it acted to preserve the lives of our soldiers and the combat capability of units, adding that Russian forces had a significant advantage in manpower.
The capture of Siversk brings Russia closer to the last remaining fortress belt cities of Sloviansk and Kramatorsk still in Ukrainian hands in the industrial Donetsk region. Earlier in the day, officials said three people - including a young child - were killed in massive overnight Russian drone and missile strikes on Ukraine.
Russia launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, and Moscow currently controls about 20% of Ukrainian territory. The Ukrainian military stated that Russian troops were continuing active offensive actions in the Siversk area despite significant losses and that Ukrainian defence forces had exhausted the enemy during the fighting for Siversk.
Before the Russian invasion, Siversk had about 11,000 residents and has been virtually wiped out as a town during many months of heavy fighting. After weeks of fighting, Russian control of Siversk represents a significant shift in the battlefield dynamic, as the Kremlin aims to consolidate its positions in the Donetsk region.
Following the withdrawal, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky faces increasing pressure from international allies, including discussions with US officials regarding territorial concessions. Despite this, Zelensky has thus far rejected any proposals for ceding territory, insisting on substantial security guarantees for Ukraine in any potential agreement.
As winter approaches, energy shortages are expected to worsen, with temperatures reportedly dropping to -7C, and authorities have warned of power outages across Ukraine due to targeted attacks on energy infrastructure.
