Map of the special operation in Ukraine on May 12

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 the map of military operations on May 12 in the Izvestia material.

It is noted that units of the Center group of forces liberated the settlement of Kotlyarovka in the Donetsk People's Republic, units of the Vostok group of forces continued to advance into the depth of the enemy's defenses, and units of the Southern group of forces occupied more advantageous lines and positions.

"Air defense systems shot down nine JDAM guided aerial bombs and two US—made HIMARS multiple rocket launchers, as well as 135 aircraft-type unmanned aerial vehicles," the Russian Defense Ministry said.

Operational-tactical aircraft, unmanned aerial vehicles, missile forces and artillery of groups of Russian Armed Forces also hit infrastructure facilities of military airfields, a workshop for assembling shells, ammunition storage depots and unmanned aerial vehicles, as well as temporary deployment points of units of the Armed Forces of Ukraine and foreign mercenaries in 129 districts.

Since the beginning of the special military operation, 662 aircraft, 283 helicopters, 56,870 unmanned aerial vehicles, 605 anti-aircraft missile systems, 23,289 tanks and other armored combat vehicles, 1,562 multiple rocket launchers, 24,724 field artillery and mortars, 35,329 units of special military vehicles have been destroyed.

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