Ukraine's Defense forces deny Russian claims of capturing Siversk in Donetsk Oblast

Officials said the situation around Siversk remains tense. At the same time, they assured that statements about the enemy establishing control over the city do not correspond to reality.

Troops said that taking advantage of weather conditions, Russians are trying to infiltrate the city in small assault groups. Meanwhile, Defense Forces are "destroying invaders in the city and on its approaches."

"Similarly, attempts by occupiers to raise flags in the urban area to create a propaganda picture end in losses for them," the Eastern Command said.

Situation near Pokrovsk and Myrnohrad

According to the command, Ukrainian troops control nearly 13 square kilometers in northern Pokrovsk. Search-and-assault operations and enemy elimination in urban areas continue.

The situation around Myrnohrad remains difficult. Ukrainian subunits continue performing assigned tasks and holding their lines. The enemy is conducting intense assault actions, trying to penetrate and gain a foothold on the southeast outskirts of the city. Defense Forces are destroying enemy assault groups using all available means.

The day before, Armed Forces Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi said there were no Ukrainian troops in Pokrovsk in the fall. However, since November 25, they managed to retake about 13 square kilometers of the city's territory.

He also confirmed the withdrawal of Ukrainian troops from positions 5-7 km from Pokrovsk — from the Sukhyi Yar, Lysivka, and Novopavlivka village area. The Armed Forces commander-in-chief explained that further holding of these positions was impractical and that Ukrainian soldiers' lives should be preserved.