Ukraine holds Serebrianka positions despite difficult conditions

The military said the situation in the settlement remains difficult, with logistics also complicated.

The 7th Corps said Russian forces are using the Serebriansky Forest to amass personnel, set up positions for UAV pilots and stage further assaults.

Air Assault Forces also reported increased pressure on Dronivka, near Serebrianka. Occupation troops are trying to infiltrate the village, but paratroopers of the 81st Brigade are eliminating them.

Russian forces are operating in small groups, using camouflage such as “Kikimora” suits and anti-thermal cloaks. The 7th Air Assault Corps said the occupiers are carrying out round-the-clock assaults.

Russian troops have also stepped up activity along the Siverskyi Donets River, attempting to cross it to enter Zakitne and secure dominant heights. Control of the village is critical for defense, the statement said.

In November, the corps said, paratroopers in their area of responsibility on the Siversk axis killed 140 Russian troops, wounded 105 others and captured three. They also damaged 34 pieces of enemy equipment.

On Dec. 13, Ukrainska Pravda, citing a source in a military command body and two sources in brigades operating in the area, reported that Siversk was almost completely lost and that reserves would be needed to retake it from the occupiers.

Russian forces began actively infiltrating Siversk in late October, taking advantage of thick fog.

On Dec. 16, DeepState reported that Russian troops had occupied the village of Serebrianka and advanced near Dronivka in Donetsk Oblast.

On Dec. 19, DeepState reported new Russian advances in Siversk and near Dronivka. The 81st Separate Slobozhansky Air Assault Brigade denied reports that Serebrianka and Dronivka had been captured.