Moscow: On February 24, Russia launched a special military operation in Ukraine to put an end to Kiev's eight-year war against the Donbass republics. President Putin referred to the actions of the Ukrainian military as genocide, saying that war criminals should be held accountable for their crimes.
Russian forces and Donbass militias continue to advance after seizing control of the city of Lisichansk on July 3, liberating the Lugansk People's Republic's last remaining piece of territory from Ukrainian troops.
However, the Ukrainian military continues to shell Donbass cities, including Donetsk. According to DPR authorities, at least 256 civilians have been killed in these attacks since Ukrainian forces began the escalation in mid-February.
Russia bombards Ukrainian cities and claims to be stepping up operations