Ukrainian forces pull back from Siversk: Expert explains potential consequences for Donetsk region

Ukraine’s defense forces have pulled out of Siversk in Donetsk region, and the top priority now is to stop Russian troops from pushing further, to prevent the situation around Sloviansk from spiraling out of control.

Retired Ukrainian Colonel, military expert and instructor pilot, Roman Svitan told 24 Kanal that pulling back from Siversk could potentially increase the threat to Sloviansk. He said Ukraine’s positions are tougher to defend from the east, while the northern front near Lyman continues to hold enemy advances.

What might happen next

According to Svitan, Russian troops have been trying for years to push from Lysychansk toward Sloviansk. Ukrainian forces managed to keep them at bay near Bilohorivka for a long time, but this year the situation on this section of the front has noticeably worsened.

He stressed that Ukrainian troops cannot hold positions when facing the risk of encirclement, making the pullback to new lines both necessary and tactically sound. At the same time, Svitan warned that urgent action is required to stop the enemy.

“If the push cannot be stopped, Sloviansk could face serious problems. That would mean preparing to evacuate civilians — tens of thousands from the Sloviansk–Kramatorsk–Druzhkivka agglomeration,” Svitan said.