Ukrainian Armed Forces Withdraw from Siversk: What It Means for the Defense of Donetsk.

According to ТСН: The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine confirmed that Ukrainian troops have left the city of Siversk. Military experts explained this decision and its possible consequences for the situation in the Donetsk region.

Head of the Ukrainian Center for Security and Cooperation Serhiy Kuzan emphasized that the reasons for the withdrawal are related to geographical conditions and depletion of resources. He noted that Ukrainian forces had long controlled the city and the surrounding heights, but the main goal was to maintain command and minimize losses.

“When we had the forces and resources to hold the urban development of Siversk and, most importantly, the adjacent heights located west of the city, these tasks were accomplished. Now, it seems, the reserves have been exhausted, and the most important thing was to maintain control of our units and minimize our losses,” said Kuzan.

He also emphasized the importance of retaining control over the western heights as it allows further protection against potential enemy shelling.

Kuzan clarified that Siversk should be viewed not as an administrative center but as an important defensive line, and the advancement of enemy troops does not pose an immediate threat to the cities of Kramatorsk and Sloviansk.

Analogy with Bakhmut and Chasiv Yar

The expert compared the situation around Siversk to the defense of Bakhmut and Chasiv Yar, emphasizing that the loss of the town does not mean a breakthrough of defensive lines.

“All the 9 or 12 statements, I myself have gotten confused, about the enemy taking Chasiv Yar are not true. Since the occupation of Bakhmut, the enemy has not managed to break through the defensive line of Chasiv Yar,” Kuzan emphasized.

He also noted that Ukrainian defenders are holding positions on heights that allow them to deter the enemy.

How Dangerous is the Withdrawal of the Armed Forces from Siversk

Reserve Colonel of the Armed Forces of Ukraine Roman Svitan warned that the withdrawal from Siversk could have serious consequences.

The city is located on the right bank of the Siverskyi Donets River, where Sloviansk is situated.

“This is the right bank of the Siverskyi Donets. This is the bank on which Sloviansk is located. This indicates the movement of the Russians from Lysychansk specifically towards Sloviansk,” Svitan emphasized.

He reminded that Russian troops captured Lysychansk in 2022, and Ukrainian units have long held the defense near Bilohorivka.

Svitan also clarified that Russian troops are actively advancing from three directions, which forced Ukrainian forces to withdraw to new defensive lines. As a result, questions may arise about the evacuation of civilians if the enemy continues its offensive towards Sloviansk.

It is worth noting that due to the numerical superiority of the enemy in manpower and equipment, Ukrainian units withdrew from the settlement of Siversk to preserve personnel and combat capability.

The exit of the Ukrainian troops from Siversk underscores the difficult situation at the front and the need for a strategic reassessment of defensive positions. Experts point out the importance of maintaining the command functions of units and minimizing losses to ensure the further defense of key cities in the region. The situation will remain tense, and Ukrainian forces will continue to monitor developments.