0
0
Ukraine Confirms Withdrawal From Siversk
Ukrainian forces have withdrawn from the eastern town of Siversk in the Donetsk region, marking another territorial shift as Russian troops continue a slow but steady advance.
In a statement released on Tuesday, Ukraine’s military said the decision was made to protect soldiers’ lives and maintain combat effectiveness, citing Russia’s significant manpower advantage in the area.
Siversk has been the site of intense fighting for several months and has been largely destroyed. Before the conflict, the town had a population of around 11,000 people.
Strategic Impact in Donetsk Region
The capture of Siversk brings Russian forces closer to the key Ukrainian-held cities of Sloviansk and Kramatorsk, which form part of the last remaining defensive line in the Donetsk region.
Russia now controls approximately 75% of Donetsk and nearly 99% of neighboring Luhansk, collectively known as the Donbas region.
Although Russia claimed control of Siversk two weeks earlier, Ukraine had denied the claim at the time.
Civilian Casualties After Overnight Strikes
Earlier on Tuesday, Ukrainian officials reported that three civilians, including a young child, were killed during overnight Russian drone and missile attacks across several regions.
Ukraine’s air force said Russia launched 635 drones and 38 missiles, most of which were intercepted. Despite this, multiple regions reported casualties and damage.
-
A child died in the Zhytomyr region after being taken to hospital.
-
A 76-year-old woman was killed in the Kyiv region.
-
A 72-year-old died in a strike on Khmelnytskyy in western Ukraine.
Polish fighter jets were scrambled as missiles and drones approached western Ukraine.
Energy Infrastructure Under Pressure
Ukraine’s energy sector continues to face heavy strain. Officials warned of emergency power shutdowns nationwide, with temperatures expected to drop below freezing.
Acting Energy Minister Artem Nekrasov said this was the ninth major attack on Ukraine’s energy system this year, adding that electricity supply in Rivne, Ternopil, and Khmelnytsky regions was nearly lost.
Some areas may remain without power for several days, according to Ukrainian lawmakers.
Russia and Ukraine Trade Claims of Strikes
Russia’s defense ministry said its strikes targeted military-industrial facilities and energy infrastructure, claiming all objectives were hit.
Meanwhile, Russian authorities reported a Ukrainian drone strike on a petrochemical plant in Stavropol, southern Russia. A fire broke out, but no casualties or residential damage were reported.
Ongoing Peace Talks With No Breakthrough
Peace negotiations involving the United States, Ukraine, and Russia continued over the weekend, though no progress was announced.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said the US had proposed a Christmas truce, which Russia reportedly rejected. Zelensky has continued to oppose territorial concessions, insisting on strong security guarantees in any settlement.
Situation Remains Uncertain
As fighting continues and winter conditions worsen, civilians near the front lines face ongoing power shortages and security concerns. The withdrawal from Siversk underscores the shifting dynamics of the conflict in eastern Ukraine, with broader implications for the future of the Donbas region.
