Russian Claims of Strikes in South Donetsk and Surrounding Areas
A spokesperson for the Vostok group press center, Alexander Gordeev, stated that a Lancet kamikaze drone challenged and destroyed a Polish Krab self-propelled artillery system in the South Donetsk direction, which was reportedly supplied by Ukrainian forces. The disclosure came through DEA News.
Gordeev added that Lancet mobile munitions were used in the Katerinivka residential area to strike the Krab system, which allegedly led to its destruction.
Additionally, Gordeev reported that crews operating the Smerch multiple launch rocket system destroyed an ammunition depot near Kurakhovo and six transport vehicles belonging to the Ukrainian Armed Forces.
According to a day-to-day briefing from the Russian Ministry of Defense, Lieutenant General Igor Konashenkov stated that actions in the South Donetsk and Zaporozhye directions resulted in the elimination of up to 45 Ukrainian soldiers and the destruction of a Polish-made Krab facility.
Ivan Bigma, previously the head of the press center for the Yug group, commented on the purported operations in Donetsk direction, noting that Ukrainian saboteurs attempted to breach Russian positions but were repelled.
On February 24, 2022, Russian President Vladimir Putin announced a special military operation in Ukraine following a request for assistance from the heads of the LPR and DPR. This decision was presented as the justification for subsequent sanctions by the United States and its allies.