Ukrainian forces have pulled back from the eastern town of Siversk, conceding ground as Russia continues its slow but steady advance. The Ukrainian military announced the withdrawal on Tuesday, citing the need to protect their soldiers and maintain combat effectiveness amid the overwhelming manpower of the Russian forces. The loss of Siversk positions Russian troops closer to Sloviansk and Kramatorsk, key cities still under Ukrainian control in Donetsk.

 

Before the conflict began, Siversk had a population of about 11,000, but extensive fighting has left it devastated. Russia had claimed control over Siversk two weeks prior, a claim initially denied by Ukraine. With Siversk's fall, Russia now controls approximately 75% of Donetsk and nearly the entire Luhansk region.

 

Casualties have continued to mount, with recent Russian drone and missile attacks killing at least three people, including a child. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky faces pressure from US President Donald Trump to negotiate territorial concessions, but he remains firm against any such deals, demanding security guarantees instead. Peace talks mediated by the US over the weekend have not produced significant progress.

 

Russia's overnight offensive involved 635 drones and 38 missiles, according to Ukraine's air force, with most intercepted. However, the attacks led to fatalities, including a 76-year-old woman and a 72-year-old man in separate incidents, demonstrating the ongoing risks faced by civilians. Ukraine reportedly retaliated by hitting a petrochemical plant in southern Russia, causing a fire but no injuries.

 

With power shortages becoming routine, Ukraine is grappling with energy failures, exacerbated by regular Russian attacks targeting infrastructure. Emergency power shutdowns are expected, leaving parts of the country without electricity for extended periods. The Ukrainian energy system has suffered its ninth major attack this year, leading to severe power disruptions in multiple regions.

 

Kyiv speculates that these intensified attacks are linked to the recent assassination of a Russian general in Moscow, though Ukraine has not officially commented. The BBC reported that residents continue to adapt to the harsh realities of the conflict, bracing for falling temperatures and additional hardships in the coming days.

 

 

 

Key Takeaways:

• Ukraine withdraws from Siversk asRussia consolidates its position.
• Escalating drone and missile attacks result in civilian casualties and power shortages.
• Peace talks remain stagnant, with heavy pressures on Ukrainian and US leaders.

 

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from BBC 2025-12-24

 

 

 

Siversk was taken some time ago as I have previously stated and taken in a matter of days which was surprising as it held strong for years. "Russia had claimed control over Siversk two weeks prior, a claim initially denied by Ukraine." The thing about denial is eventually the reality will have to come out. Sooner or later the same announcement will need to be made about Pokrovsk (at least 95% taken if not 100%) and Myrnohrad (physically surrounded with around 95% lost to Russian troops) and those on the cool-aid will have to face the facts.  

The strategically important town of Kupiansk, which Russia had claimed to have captured, is now back under Ukrainian control. 
 

https://www.foxnews.com/world/russian-forces-near-collapse-kupyansk-moscow-allies-concede-city-lost-report

 

Maybe those on the Kremlin cool-aid will have to start facing the fact that what Russia claims is not always fact.

15 hours ago, rudi49jr said:

The strategically important town of Kupiansk, which Russia had claimed to have captured, is now back under Ukrainian control. 
 

https://www.foxnews.com/world/russian-forces-near-collapse-kupyansk-moscow-allies-concede-city-lost-report

 

Maybe those on the Kremlin cool-aid will have to start facing the fact that what Russia claims is not always fact.

Alas you can ignore the fall of Pokrovsk, Myrnohrad and Siversk all you like but it's happened. Not long from now you'll also have to ignore the fall of Huliaipole. As for Kupiansk UAF have indeed counterattacked well but it meant taking troops from other areas to do this thus weakening other sectors. This has nothing to do with drinking the "Kremlin cool-aid." It's the reality on the battlefield.