Defense Forces Deny Russian Claims of Siversk Capture

Ukrainian Forces Repel Russian Assaults in Siversk, Maintain Partial Control of Pokrovsk

Ukrainian defense forces are successfully countering Russian attempts to seize control of Siversk, military officials reported Monday. Despite intense pressure and difficult weather conditions, Ukrainian troops continue to destroy Russian assault groups both within the city and on its outskirts.

“In the Sloviansk direction, the situation in the Siversk area remains tense. At the same time, statements about the enemy establishing control over the city are not true,” the “East” military group stated in an update posted on Facebook.

According to military officials, Russian forces have been attempting to infiltrate Siversk in small assault groups, taking advantage of current weather conditions. Russian propaganda efforts, including attempts to plant flags within the city for media purposes, have resulted in additional casualties for the invading forces.

Ukrainian defenders are employing artillery units and strike drones to inflict fire damage on Russian positions and advancing troops. This combination of defensive tactics has so far prevented Russia from establishing a foothold in the strategically important settlement.

In the broader Donetsk region, the situation remains dynamic and challenging. Over the past 24 hours, Ukrainian forces repelled 84 Russian assaults across the Eastern Operational Command’s area of responsibility. The Pokrovsk direction saw the heaviest fighting, with 48 attempted Russian advances thwarted in multiple settlements including Shakhove, Ivanivka, Chervonyi Lyman, Myrnohrad, Hryshyne, and Pokrovsk itself.

Preliminary casualty reports indicate Ukrainian forces neutralized 122 Russian personnel in the Pokrovsk direction alone, with 87 of those being irrecoverable losses. Additionally, Ukrainian troops destroyed significant enemy equipment, including vehicles, robotic complexes, drones, special equipment, and personnel shelters.

The defense of Pokrovsk, a key logistics hub in eastern Ukraine, continues with Ukrainian forces maintaining control of approximately 13 square kilometers in the northern part of the city. Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine Oleksandr Syrskyi confirmed that while Ukrainian troops had completely withdrawn from Pokrovsk at one point this fall, they have since regained significant territory within the city since November 15.

“The Defense Forces continue to support the northern part of the city approximately along the railway line. In addition, they control about 54 kilometers west of Pokrovsk,” Syrskyi stated.

Meanwhile, the situation in nearby Myrnohrad remains critical. Russian forces are conducting intensive assault operations attempting to secure footholds in the southeastern outskirts of the city. Ukrainian units continue to hold their assigned positions while systematically eliminating Russian assault groups using all available means.

To ensure continued operational capabilities, Ukrainian authorities are establishing additional logistics routes to both Pokrovsk and Myrnohrad. These new supply lines aim to maintain uninterrupted delivery of essential materials to defense forces and facilitate timely civilian evacuations.

The Eastern Operational Command reported that Russian forces continue to suffer their heaviest losses in this sector, with 372 casualties over the past day. Ukrainian forces also destroyed 827 drones of various types and 49 other weapons and equipment units during the same period. Artillery units carried out over 1,100 fire missions in support of defensive operations.

The intense fighting in eastern Ukraine comes as winter conditions set in across the region, presenting additional challenges for both defending and attacking forces. Military analysts suggest Russia has been attempting to make territorial gains before harsh winter weather potentially slows offensive operations.