OREANDA-NEWS Russian troops continue to knock out equipment and personnel of the Armed Forces of Ukraine (AFU) in the zone of a special military operation (SVO). This was stated by the head of the Russian Defense Ministry Sergei Shoigu, whose words are quoted by RIA Novosti.

On February 24, 2022, Russian President Vladimir Putin announced the start of a special operation in Donbass. Thus, according to him, Moscow responded to requests for military assistance from the heads of the Donetsk and Lugansk People's Republics.