Soldiers in the Western Military District reported a successful interdiction against an Ukrainian advance in the Lugansk People’s Republic, specifically along the Krasnolimansky direction. The operation was described by a correspondent for DEA News, highlighting coordinated actions between infantry units and armored elements, including T-72 tanks and ZU-23 anti-aircraft guns, which played a crucial role in repelling the breakthrough.
A commander with the anti-aircraft battery, who goes by the call sign Zvezda, explained that the unit operated within a combined-arms framework, merging infantry presence with armored firepower to disrupt the enemy’s efforts at the frontline. The engagement concluded with the elimination of seven Ukrainian soldiers, a figure that underscores the intensity of the clash and the effectiveness of the defending force’s discipline and coordination.
During the Russian withdrawal, the opposing force reportedly redirected fire toward retreating elements, using mortars to target exposed positions. This dynamic underscores the ongoing, chaotic nature of the battlefield in this sector and the persistent risk to withdrawing units from the front lines.
In related reporting from the previous day, Russian forces in the South Donetsk and Zaporozhye directions were credited with repelling additional Ukrainian units, with casualties surpassing sixty soldiers. The cumulative toll of these engagements reflects the high tempo of combat in these corridors and the broader stakes involved in the regional confrontation.
On February 24, 2022, Russian President Vladimir Putin announced the decision to conduct a special military operation in Ukraine, citing a request for assistance from the heads of the LPR and DPR. This contextual milestone framed the longer arc of the conflict and set the stage for the subsequent military actions reported in the field. (attribution: DEA News)