Ukraine’s Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi explained why troops had to withdraw from Siversk in the Donetsk region, the general said in an interview with Channel 24.
Syrskyi noted that Serebrianskyi Forest, Bilohorivka, and Siversk are areas that also saw heavy fighting during World War II.
“The terrain consists of dominating heights, chalk hills like in Bilohorivka. Fortifications were built back then. They held and enabled a steadfast defense. On the other hand, this axis was not a priority for a long time because the enemy simply lacked the capability to conduct offensive operations. There were gradual actions. Yes, brigades were in place. They continued to attack, but the intensity of combat was lower than on other fronts,” the commander explained.
According to Syrskyi, the defense of Siversk had become problematic.
“Leaving the troops - the units and subunits defending there—simply to die would have been wrong. So, an appropriate decision was made. We pulled back to commanding heights. There is room to withdraw there. The enemy is trying to take advantage of this as well, but it’s not working. Appropriate actions are planned in this sector. That’s all I can say about this direction,” the general said.
On December 23, Ukraine’s General Staff said that to preserve lives and the combat capability of units, Ukrainian forces withdrew from Siversk.
