File image.
On December 13, the Russian military began advancing from Siversk to nearby areas taking advantage of the chaos that emerged in the ranks of Kiev forces after losing the key city in Donetsk.
As Kiev forces fled their last positions in the western part of Siversk, the Yug [South] Group of Forces pressed forward without taking a pause, breaking through Ukrainian defenses to the south of the chalk quarry located right to the west of the city.
Russian troops also advanced to the south of Siversk. The troops captured all of Sviato-Pokrovske, setting the stage for a possible push towards Riznykivka further to the west.
The most notable gains were to the northwest of Siversk. The Yug Group of Forces cleared the area between the city, Dronivka and Platonivka. The areas secured all around Sivers, including Sviato-Pokrovske, are reported to be more than 15,7 square kilometers.
The Ukrainian collapse didn’t stop there, however. The Yug Group of Forces made more gains while advancing westward from Platonivka to Zakitne, which is located right on the key road linking Siversk with the city of Krasny Liman.
Even closer to Krasny Liman, Russian troops expanded their control in Dibrova which is located right to the south of the city.
Away to the southwest in Donetsk, Kiev forces also appear to be experiencing a collapse to the south of the city of Kostiantynivka.
The Yug Group of Forces cleared an area of more than 7,7 kilometers to the west of Ivanopillya, reaching new parts of Kostiantynivka’s southern outskirts. The push brought Russian troops right on the edge of Berestok, a key settlement located on one of the roads leading to the city.
All recent developments indicate that Kiev forces no longer have the capability to keep fighting in multiple directions in Donetsk. The defeat in Siversk will likely be followed by others in Krasny Liman and Kostiantynivka. A complete Ukrainian collapse in the region could begin within a few months.
Despite the dire situation of its forces, Ukraine has so far changed nothing on the higher levels of command. It continues to follow the same strategy that prioritizes politics and media over everything else.
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