The situation on the northern and eastern fronts in Ukraine has reached a critical point. While Russian forces have declared full control of the city of Seversk, Ukrainian command claims that parts of the city are still under their defense. Meanwhile, intense clashes continue in other flashpoints.
Seversk Front: The Fate of a Strategic Foothold
On December 11, Russian President Vladimir Putin announced that the armed forces had captured Seversk, fulfilling a promise made by December 15. According to Sergey Medvedev, the commander of Russia’s "South" military group, gaining control of this settlement paves the way towards Slovyansk (30 km away). Russia has also released videos showing flags raised in various parts of the city.
However, the spokesman for Ukraine’s 11th Army Corps, Dmytro Zaporozhets, has denied that the city has been entirely surrendered. According to him:
- The enemy is present within the city but does not have full control over it.
- The situation is extremely complicated, with "only part of the city" still under Ukrainian control.
- “Stabilization operations” are underway, which may involve redeploying forces or strengthening new positions.
According to analyses by DeepState and ISW, the eastern section of the city is under Russian control, while the western part remains a "gray zone." Although Ukrainian forces are holding outskirts beyond the Bakhmutka River, experts consider the total fall of the city inevitable in the near future.
How Did Russia Break Through Seversk’s Defense?
A sustained offensive since September forced Ukrainian forces out of the Serebryansk Forest. This allowed the Russian army to capture elevated areas and cut off the logistical routes linking the city to main territories. Control over areas near the villages of Zvanivka and Sviato-Pokrovske in the south further weakened the defense system.
Kupyansk: 200 Russian Soldiers Trapped
In the Kharkiv region, the situation is shifting in Ukraine’s favor. Ukrainian units conducted a successful counteroperation in Kupyansk, severing Russian forces from supply routes along the Oskil River’s banks.
Details: Currently, around 200 Russian soldiers are encircled in the city center. Due to their alleged attempts to use civilians as "human shields," the clearance operations are being carried out cautiously.
Situation on Other Fronts: Pokrovsk and Huliaipole
By mid-December, while general shelling activity has decreased slightly, the pressure remains high on key fronts:
- Pokrovsk and Myrnohrad: Although Russia reports having captured these towns, Ukrainian forces retain control of the northern portion and continue conducting raids. Aviation strikes against the village of Hryshyne remain persistent.
- Huliaipole: Russian forces have managed to cross the Haychur River, advancing into the southern outskirts of the city.
- Kostiantynivka and Vovchansk: Russian claims appear exaggerated regarding territorial control, as Ukrainian forces maintain defensive positions along the river.
Ukraine’s General Staff is now focusing on strengthening the defense of Slovyansk and Kramatorsk. While retaking Seversk without additional reinforcements is challenging, successes in Kupyansk are helping to maintain balance across other parts of the front.
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