Summary of the special operation in Ukraine for the week

A special military operation to protect the civilian population of Donbass has been conducted by Russia since February 24, 2022. You can track the progress of the joint forces of Russia, the Donetsk and Lugansk People's Republics (DPR and LPR), as well as view a map of military operations for the week from April 12 to 18 in the Izvestia material.

It is noted that during the week, the Russian Armed Forces carried out nine group strikes with precision weapons and unmanned aerial vehicles, as a result of which enterprises of the military-industrial complex of Ukraine, the infrastructure of military airfields, armament depots, and ammunition were hit.

"This morning, a group strike was carried out with high-precision long-range weapons and unmanned aerial vehicles on key production sites for unmanned aerial vehicles and infrastructure facilities of military airfields of Ukraine. The objectives of the strike have been achieved. All designated facilities have been hit," the Defense Ministry said.

Units of the Zapad group of forces also occupied more advantageous lines and positions, while units of the Southern Group of Forces liberated the settlements of Kalinovo and Valentinovka in the Donetsk People's Republic.

"During the week, air defense systems shot down an F-16 aircraft of the Ukrainian Air Force, 45 JDAM guided aerial bombs and 29 US—made HIMARS multiple rocket launchers, as well as 1,618 aircraft-type unmanned aerial vehicles," the Defense Ministry said.

Since the beginning of the special military operation, 661 aircraft, 283 helicopters, 52,592 unmanned aerial vehicles, 603 anti-aircraft missile systems, 22,920 tanks and other armored combat vehicles, 1,541 multiple rocket launchers, 23,820 field artillery and mortars, and 34,317 units of special military vehicles have been destroyed.

Watch more relevant videos and details about the situation in Donbass on the Izvestia TV channel.