Ukrainian forces have withdrawn from the besieged eastern city of Siversk amid an intensification of the Russian offensive along the extensive front line, the General Staff of the Ukrainian army said, quoted by Reuters, BTA reported.
"The invaders managed to advance thanks to a significant numerical superiority and constant pressure from "small assault groups in difficult weather conditions", the statement quoted by Ukrinform said.
"The fierce fighting near Siversk continues. The Russian invaders have a serious superiority in manpower and equipment and, despite their significant losses, they are not stopping their active offensive operations. In order to preserve the lives of our soldiers and the combat capability of the units, the Ukrainian defenders withdrew from the city," the statement added.
The General Staff noted that despite the withdrawal, the city remains under the fire control of the Ukrainian forces. Russian servicemen in Siversk are being attacked, their logistics are being disrupted, and their units are being blocked to prevent further advances.
The General Staff also emphasized that the Ukrainian defense forces continue to fulfill their combat missions on the Slavyansk Front (the sector of the front in the area of the city of Slavyansk).