The situation is escalating on the northern and eastern directions of the Ukrainian front. This was reported by Zamin.uz.
Although the Russian side has announced full control over the city of Seversk, the Ukrainian command states that part of the city is still being defended. Combat operations are ongoing in other areas as well.
**Seversk direction: strategic importance** On December 11, Russian President Vladimir Putin announced that control over the city of Seversk had been established. According to Sergey Medvedev, commander of Russia's "Yug" troops, capturing the city opens the way towards Sloviansk.
The Russian side has also circulated videos showing their flags planted in various parts of the city. However, the Ukrainian command denies this information.
They emphasize that part of Seversk remains under Ukrainian control. The Ukrainian army is carrying out "stabilization measures" in the city, which may imply repositioning forces or strengthening a new defensive line.
Independent analyses also indicate that the eastern part of the city is under Russian control, while the western part remains a "gray zone" where fighting continues. **How did Russia break through Seversk's defense?** Since September, Russian forces have increased pressure, pushing Ukrainian troops out of the Serebryansk forest.
As a result, strategic heights were captured, creating the possibility to cut off the city from main logistics routes. During this process, the southern villages of Zvanovka and Svyato-Pokrovske also came under Russian control, further weakening Ukraine's defense.
**Situation in Kupyansk: Ukrainian success** In Kharkiv region, during counterattacks, the Ukrainian army succeeded in cutting off Russian forces near Kupyansk from supply routes along the Oskol River. According to reports, about 200 Russian soldiers remain encircled in the city center.
Since they are attempting to use civilians as "human shields," clearing the area is being conducted cautiously. **Situation in other directions** In the Pokrovsk and Myrnohrad directions, the Russian side claims to have captured the cities, but Ukrainian forces continue to control northern areas.
In the Huliaipole direction, Russian forces are trying to enter the city, but Ukrainian defense remains intact. The Ukrainian General Staff is paying special attention to strengthening the defense of Sloviansk and Kramatorsk.
Although retaking Seversk is difficult, successes in Kupyansk allow maintaining balance on other parts of the front.
