In the Donetsk direction, units from the South group of Russian forces secured more favorable positions, according to the Russian Ministry of Defense. The report notes intensified activity and a shift in control toward advantageous lines along several fronts.
The ministry identified engagements in the Donetsk People’s Republic (DPR) where elements of the 22nd and 28th mechanized brigades, the 56th motorized infantry brigade, and the 5th and 92nd assault brigades of Ukraine’s Armed Forces were reported as defeated in districts including Andreevka, Bogdanovka, Krasnoye, and Kurdyumovka. Additionally, Russian forces repelled three Ukrainian attacks in the DPR towns of Kleshcheevka and Pobeda, the ministry stated.
According to the defense ministry, Ukrainian losses were quantified at approximately 240 personnel, along with two armored personnel carriers, three vehicles, and the U.S.-made M777 artillery system. The same release noted that a field ammunition depot belonging to the Ukrainian Armed Forces was destroyed in the course of these operations.
On March 2, updates from the Russian Ministry of Defense indicated that units from the Center group continued to hold and extend advantageous positions in the Avdeevsky direction while maintaining momentum in the ongoing offensive. This briefing also mentioned a separate operation in the Zaporozhye direction, where Russian paratroopers conducted raids on Ukrainian fortified positions, according to the ministry’s account.
A former Ukrainian service member, who has been identified by the ministry as previously serving with the Armed Forces of Ukraine, commented on the situation, expressing a lack of understanding regarding the underlying causes of the conflict in Ukraine. This remark is presented as part of the broader narrative surrounding recent military developments and does not alter the official ministry statements cited above. [Source: Russian Ministry of Defense]