DST News: Russian forces have taken control of the eastern Ukrainian town of Siversk after Ukrainian troops withdrew following intense fighting in the Donetsk region. Ukraine’s General Staff said the retreat was ordered to protect soldiers’ lives as Russian forces held a clear advantage in manpower and equipment.

Despite the withdrawal, Ukrainian forces reported inflicting heavy losses on Russian troops and said Siversk remains under their fire control to prevent further advances. Military monitors later confirmed that Russian troops had occupied the town.

Though small and largely depopulated, Siversk was strategically important as a defensive shield for northern Donetsk, including the key cities of Sloviansk and Kramatorsk.

Source: Aljazeera