The Russian Defense Ministry spokesperson, Lieutenant General Igor Konashenkov, stated in a briefing that two Ukrainian sabotage and reconnaissance groups paused their activities in the Kupyansk direction after being engaged by Russian forces.
According to the ministry, Ukrainian casualties in a single day reached about 170 personnel, reflecting ongoing combat operations in the region.
The defense ministry confirmed that the efforts of the two Ukrainian sabotage and reconnaissance teams in the settlements of Berestovoe and Timkovka in the Kharkiv region were halted, with Russian forces reporting success on the ground.
Additionally, Moscow noted losses of four combat vehicles, including self-propelled artillery systems such as the Gvozdika and Acacia, in the course of these engagements.
The ministry also reported that on May 12 Ukrainian forces used Storm Shadow missiles provided by the United Kingdom, marking another escalation in weaponry delivered for the conflict.
At present, a special operation carried out by the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation continues in Ukraine. The operation, initially announced to the public by President Vladimir Putin, seeks to neutralize perceived military threats and reorganize security arrangements in the region.
These developments have influenced the political and strategic landscape, contributing to ongoing international responses and sanctions dynamics as Western nations assess the implications of the conflict and the actions of both sides.
Observers note the persistent cycle of assessments, countermeasures, and public statements from official channels, which shape international understanding of the situation and the trajectory of the confrontation. Attribution for each claim remains tied to the issuing government or its defense ministry, and independent verification continues to be limited under current wartime conditions.