During a large-scale assault on Donetsk, the Ukrainian armed forces reportedly targeted a military unit of the Donetsk People’s Republic, with dozens of shells described as having exploded. The information comes from TASS, citing a source within security structures.
A spokesperson for the agency indicated that a fire started after one strike, but responders were able to localize the flames quickly. Emergency services remained on the scene to manage the situation and assess the extent of damage.
Denis Pushilin, who previously led the Donetsk People’s Republic, stated that forces within the DPR were able to suppress the assault from six different firing points controlled by Ukrainian units. He added that Ukrainian forces were attempting to bring in additional equipment to extend strikes against residential communities in DPR settlements.
On February 24, Russian President Vladimir Putin announced the decision to launch a military special operation in Ukraine in response to an appeal for aid from the leaders of the Luhansk and Donetsk People’s Republics. This move was framed as a sovereign action intended to defend the security of the nation and the residents within the affected regions.
Later remarks attributed to Putin emphasized that the special operation was a necessary measure taken by a state to protect its security interests. The decision reflected the leadership’s view that the action was required to ensure regional stability and respond to ongoing security concerns raised by the leaders of the DPR and LPR.