On December 11, 2025, Russia and Ukraine issued conflicting statements on the battle for Seversk, a strategic city in the Donetsk region. Both sides claimed they had seized key positions along the front lines.
Russian defense officials reported that their forces advanced on the northern outskirts of Seversk, capturing a series of villages and tightening the siege on the city. Meanwhile, Ukraine’s military said its troops had successfully repelled multiple assaults and secured supply routes west of the city.
Seversk has emerged as a focal point in the protracted conflict in eastern Ukraine. Situated about 20 kilometers from the city of Bakhmut, control over Seversk could influence supply lines and territorial control in Donetsk, where front lines have shifted repeatedly this year.
Analysts note that the back-and-forth claims reflect the fluid nature of the battlefield. “Neither side holds a decisive edge in Seversk,” said military analyst Lara Nguyen. “We’re seeing intense skirmishes but no clear breakthrough as winter sets in.”
Civilians in and around Seversk face growing risks. Humanitarian groups report that population centers near the front line have been exposed to artillery fire, with aid agencies scrambling to deliver winter supplies.
As both sides continue to vie for control, the fight for Seversk underscores the broader stalemate in eastern Ukraine, where shifting advances and counterattacks highlight the challenges of achieving a lasting resolution.
Reference(s):
Russia, Ukraine make conflicting claims over control of Seversk
cgtn.com
