Soldiers of the LPR and DPR launched a counteroffensive with the support of the Russian Armed Forces

“At present, they (LNR and DNR. -

) have launched a counteroffensive with fire support from the Russian Armed Forces.

They have broken through the front line of the layered, well-equipped defense of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, ”the Russian Defense Ministry said in a statement.

On February 24, Russian President Vladimir Putin announced a special military operation to protect Donbass.

This decision was made after the request of the leadership of the DPR and LPR for help.  

Belarusian leader Alexander Lukashenko said that the military leadership of Ukraine was warned about the possibility of a Russian special operation to protect Donbass.

He also stated that Belarusian troops are not participating in the military operation in Donbass.