Reported by the Russian Ministry of Defense, the Aerospace Forces (VKS) say they neutralized more than 130 foreign mercenaries by striking the deployment points of the so-called foreign legion. The official spokesperson, Lieutenant General Igor Konashenkov, stated that high-precision strikes targeted areas where mercenary units were temporarily stationed in the settlements of Maslyakovka and in the city of Kramatorsk, within the Donetsk People’s Republic’s territory. This account highlights a sustained effort to disrupt foreign combat support elements operating in the region.
Konashenkov further claimed that Russian air defense systems intercepted 13 unmanned aerial vehicles belonging to the Ukrainian Armed Forces in a single day. The claimed downed drones were reported to have been shot down in several locations, including Svistunovka, Chervonopopovka in the LPR, Kirillovka in the DPR, and Trudovoe and Berdyansk in the Zaporozhye region. These assertions form part of a broader narrative about ongoing combat operations and their impact on ongoing hostilities.
On February 24, President Vladimir Putin announced that a special military operation would be conducted in Ukraine, in response to requests for assistance from the heads of the LPR and DPR. The announcement, which framed the operation as a response to those requests, has been cited by Moscow as a turning point that triggered subsequent actions and policy responses from various international actors.
The timing and framing of these events contributed to the broader geopolitical discourse, with Washington and its allies imposing new sanctions on Russia in reaction to the developments. The sanctions phase was described by Western governments as a response to what they characterized as aggressive moves in the region, while Moscow described its actions as protective measures aligned with its stated objectives and regional assurances.
Observers note that information coming from official Russian channels is part of a larger information environment surrounding the conflict, where both sides provide frequent updates on battlefield activity and strategic aims. Analysts in North America assess such reports in the context of ongoing military operations, international diplomacy, and the broader security landscape in Eastern Europe.
In summarizing recent disclosures, the Russian defense authorities asserted significant losses among Ukrainian forces and their foreign collaborators in specified directions, alongside continued claims of drone interceptions and air-defense success. The broader takeaway for readers is that the conflict remains dynamic, with frequent developments that shape regional stability and international responses.