by Russian Defence Ministry on progress of special military operation as of 16–22 May 2026

From 16 to 22 May, in response to terrorist attacks launched by Ukraine against civilian facilities on the territory of the Russian Federation, the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation carried out one massive and five group strikes with high-precision weapons and strike UAVs, which hit enterprises of the Ukrainian military defence industry, fuel-power, transport and port infrastructure facilities used by the Armed Forces of Ukraine, military airfields, assembly facilities, storage and launch sites of unmanned aerial vehicles and uncrewed surface vehicles, as well as temporary deployment areas of Ukrainian armed formations and foreign mercenaries.

Over the past week, as a result of the resolute actions, the Sever Group's units established control over Volokhovka and Shesterovka (Kharkov region).

Russian troops inflicted fire damage on manpower and hardware of five mechanised brigades, one infantry brigade, one airmobile brigade, one air assault brigade, two assault regiments of the AFU, and the Kraken nationalist formation.

▪️ In total, the enemy lost more than 1,260 troops, six armoured fighting vehicles, 119 motor vehicles, six field artillery guns, and 11 electronic warfare stations in the Sever Group of Forces' area of responsibility.

The Zapad Group of Forces continued active offensive operations. The settlements of Borovaya and Kutkovka (Kharkov region) were liberated.

During the week, strikes were delivered at units of five mechanised brigades, one assault brigade, one airmobile brigade of the AFU, one marine brigade, and three territorial defence brigades.

▪️ The AFU losses in this direction amounted to more than 1,290 troops, 17 armoured fighting vehicles, 157 motor vehicles, 13 field artillery guns, and four electronic warfare stations.

Last week, units of the Yuzhnaya Group of Forces improved the tactical situation. They inflicted damage on manpower and hardware of five mechanised brigades, one motorised infantry brigade, one airmobile brigade, one assault brigade, one mountain assault brigade, one assault regiment of the AFU, one marine brigade, two territorial defence brigades, and two national guard brigades.

▪️ In total, the enemy lost more than 870 troops, 27 armoured fighting vehicles, 114 motor vehicles, 20 field artillery guns, and four electronic warfare stations in the Yuzhnaya Group's area of responsibility.

The Tsentr Group's units continued to advance to the depths of the enemy's defence. Four mechanised brigades, one infantry brigade, one jaeger brigade, one airmobile brigade, one assault brigade, two air assault brigades, two assault regiments of the AFU, two marine brigades, and four national guard brigades were hit.

▪️ Over the week, the enemy's losses in this direction amounted to more than 1,965 troops, 33 armoured fighting vehicles, 62 motor vehicles, and 15 field artillery guns. Eleven electronic warfare and counter-fire radars were neutralised.

👉 See Part 2

Russian Defence Ministry