Ukrainian forces have vacated the eastern town of Siversk, as reported by the General Staff on Tuesday, amid a renewed Russian push across the extensive front line.

Russia proclaimed its seizure of the city in the heavily contested Donetsk region nearly two weeks ago, when Chief of Staff Valery Gerasimov briefed President Vladimir Putin on the development during a televised session.

The Ukrainian military stated that they withdrew from the area “to ensure the safety of our soldiers and maintain the combat effectiveness of our units.”

They noted that the Russian side benefited from “a considerable advantage in troops and equipment” as well as favorable weather conditions.

Nonetheless, Ukrainian forces continue to engage in combat around Siversk, and the city remains within the range of Ukraine’s artillery, according to the General Staff in Kyiv.

The Russian military has been progressively advancing through eastern Ukraine, capturing territory from Ukrainian forces that find themselves outnumbered and outmatched in terms of armament, with some of the most intense clashes occurring in Donetsk.

Buoyed by recent territorial gains, Putin threatened last week during his year-end press conference to expand Russia’s acquisitions.

The Donetsk region is a crucial obstacle in the U.S.-backed negotiations for resolution, and Ukraine claims it is under pressure to surrender the remaining parts of this area to Russia.

Situated approximately 30 kilometers (18 miles) away from Kramatorsk and Sloviansk—the last major cities still under Ukrainian control in Donetsk—Siversk was home to around 11,000 residents before the onset of the war.

Eastern Ukraine has suffered greatly since Russia began its offensive in February 2022, resulting in tens of thousands of deaths and millions displaced from their homes.