In brief
In a tactical decision, Ukraine has withdrawn its forces from Siversk to maintain the combat capability of its troops, acknowledging Russia's overwhelming manpower advantage. This move brings Russian forces closer to capturing strategic cities in eastern Ukraine. The escalation of hostilities has resulted in civilian casualties from overnight drone and missile attacks, highlighting the ongoing severity of the conflict.
Ukrainian troops have withdrawn from the embattled eastern town of Siversk, as Russia continues its steady - albeit slow - advance.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. In a statement, the Ukrainian military said Russian troops were continuing active offensive actions in the Siversk area, despite significant losses. It added that Ukrainian defence forces had exhausted the enemy during the fighting for Siversk. Before the Russian invasion, Siversk had about 11,000 people and has been virtually wiped out due to months of heavy fighting. Moscow currently controls about 75% of the Donetsk region, and some 99% of the neighbouring Luhansk, regions collectively known as Donbas. Russian leader Vladimir Putin has warned that Ukrainian troops must withdraw from all of Donbas or Russia will seize it, rejecting any compromise over how to end the war. Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has been under pressure to concede territory, but he continues to reject any territorial concessions, demanding security guarantees in potential settlements.
