Ukraine’s Defense Ministry blames social media comments for Severodonetsk withdrawal disruptions
Read also: Ukrainian armed forces may be forced to withdraw from Severodonetsk, says Hayday
She stressed the importance of not publicly leaking information about the movements of Ukrainian troops prior to an official statements by the Armed Forces.
Read also: Russians concentrating main efforts on establishing full control over ruins of Severodonetsk
“Military operations can be partly disrupted by civilians who publicly demonstrate awareness of the course of military operations and report on them on social networks before the General Staff makes an official statement, like yesterday and the day before in Severodonetsk,” she claimed.
"It disrupted the Armed Forces of Ukraine from finishing what was planned.”
According to Maliar, these comments steal time away from the Ukrainian military that could have been used implementing their plans and maneuvers in secrecy.
“Everything that is allowed to talk about at the given moment is stated by official sources: the General Staff and the Ministry of Defense,” she added.
Read also: Severodonetsk under intense artillery fire, bombing from air, says military administration head
On the morning of June 24, social media users reported that Ukrainian units had begun to retreat from the industrial zone of Severodonetsk.
Journalist Yuri Butusov noted that "it feels bitter to retreat, but this decision is long overdue."
