Ukrainian special operations forces have delivered a sharp and decisive blow to Russian occupation troops in a rear-area clash, further highlighting the growing competence and confidence of Ukraine’s elite military units as Russia attempts to escalate its offensive across the eastern front.
During a high-risk reconnaissance mission beyond enemy lines, Ukrainian special forces identified a Russian infantry assault group. The Ukrainian unit’s commander quickly assessed the situation and executed a tactical repositioning to gain a superior vantage. From their new location, they opened fire with precision, taking the Russian troops by complete surprise.
The resulting firefight was short but fierce. All eight Russian soldiers were eliminated in the clash, with no Ukrainian casualties reported. After neutralising the threat and securing the area, the Ukrainian unit continued its reconnaissance without further incident.
Just days earlier, on 8 May, another operation saw Ukrainian special forces capture six Russian soldiers during a covert raid. Ukrainian operators, clad in camouflage suits, silently approached a Russian dugout. After a brief gunfight, the Russian troops, unaware they were already encircled and disoriented, fled to their shelter. From there, they were ordered to surrender, one by one, under full fire control. The Ukrainian side made it clear that any resistance would be futile.
These successful missions are part of Ukraine’s broader strategy to degrade Russian logistics, command centres, and morale, even as the Kremlin intensifies its eastern push. Footage emerging online allegedly shows panicked Russian troops debating whether to reveal the scale of their own casualties—at least ten bodies in one clip—while others in Moscow parade in wooden tanks during Red Square’s 9 May ceremonies.
Ukraine’s military intelligence has also released exclusive footage showing the launch of long-range anti-aircraft S200SM missiles repurposed for ground attacks on Russian targets. Originally designed during the Soviet era and retired from Ukrainian service in 2013, these 5V28 missiles—10.8 metres long and weighing over 7 tonnes—have been refurbished to function similarly to ballistic missiles. They are reportedly being used to strike deeply into enemy-held areas, including Crimea.
Despite prior government claims under former defence minister Pavlo Lebedev—who was later accused of treason—that the system was obsolete, Ukrainian forces have restored and modernised it. Poland had previously been suggested as a potential donor of such equipment, but it remains unclear how Ukraine has reacquired or refurbished the platforms.
Meanwhile, Russian forces have begun mass troop movements to critical hotspots in Donetsk Oblast, raising concerns about a renewed Kremlin offensive. According to Ukrainian intelligence and reports from the Financial Times, Russian forces are not preparing for peace, despite a hollow invitation from Russian dictator Vladimir Putin for talks in Istanbul. Instead, they are concentrating firepower to seize the entire Donetsk region, a goal they have failed to achieve since launching their full-scale invasion in 2022.
Open source intelligence project Deep State reported recent Russian gains near Pokrovsk and Toretsk, including villages such as Romanivka and Novooleksandrivka. On 12 May alone, the Ukrainian General Staff recorded 133 combat engagements, over a third of which took place near Pokrovsk. Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi confirmed that Russia has significantly intensified operations in the area, though Ukrainian forces are working to stabilise the situation and regain tactical ground.
