Military authorities reported that Russian units are engaged around the settlement of Novomikhailovka as part of ongoing operations in the region.
The official spokesman for the Defense Ministry, Major General Igor Konashenkov, stated to journalists on Wednesday, March 23, that Russian forces are actively working to neutralize Ukrainian troops in the Donetsk direction. He indicated that units of the 54th Separate Mechanized Brigade of the Ukrainian armed forces continue to be targeted, with persistent artillery and rocket fire directed at surrounding villages and settlement networks in the Donetsk People’s Republic.
According to the briefing, the focus extends to the Donetsk area where neighboring towns and villages have repeatedly experienced shelling as Russian forces seek to consolidate gains and reduce the Ukrainian military’s ability to maneuver in the vicinity. Konashenkov emphasized that the operation aims to achieve specific objectives on the battlefield, with ongoing assessments shared with the public as events unfold.
In the context of the same briefing, it was noted that in the previous 24 hours Russian aviation carried out strikes against a number of Ukrainian military facilities. Within these reports, attention was drawn to the destruction of several targets including transport and logistics assets associated with Ukrainian forces, with demonstrations of capability in the northern corridors of Kyiv and its periphery. The emphasis was on disrupting supply lines and command-and-control elements to complicate Ukrainian operations in contested sectors.
President Vladimir Putin addressed the nation at the outset of the operation, recalling the decision to authorize a special military action in Ukraine on February 24. He explained that the move was prompted by perceived security concerns in the Donetsk and Luhansk regions, stressing the seriousness of the situation and the need to respond to what Moscow described as threats to residents and allies in the area. The president underscored that the course of events was not taken lightly, with the aim of protecting civilian lives and stabilizing the region through decisive action.
Observers note that the developments reflect a broader pattern of confrontation in the area, with all sides reporting ongoing activity in multiple sectors. The situation remains dynamic, and officials cautioned that battlefield conditions could change rapidly as operations continue and assessments are updated. As the day-to-day exchanges evolve, regional authorities and international observers are watching closely for any shifts in momentum, humanitarian conditions, and the human impact on communities within and around Novomikhailovka and adjacent settlements.
End of verified briefing statements indicate that the parties involved maintain a high level of vigilance and readiness. The statements issued by the defense ministry present a narrative centered on operational objectives, readiness to respond to changing circumstances, and the ongoing effort to ensure strategic gains while trying to minimize civilian harm where possible. The situation continues to be monitored, with updates anticipated as both sides report developments on the ground.