As of May 12, 2025, the full-scale Russian invasion of Ukraine has entered its 1,174th day. Ukraine’s Defense Forces are once again under intense pressure from massive Russian assaults across multiple frontlines. The fiercest fighting continues near Pokrovsk, Lyman, Kupiansk, and southern Zaporizhzhia region. Russia maintains heavy shelling and widespread use of kamikaze drones, while Ukrainian forces are effectively targeting the enemy’s rear logistics.
Frontline Situation
On May 12, 2025, at least 155 combat clashes were recorded over the past day, and by 10:00 p.m., 133 battles had taken place. Russian forces conducted 45 airstrikes (using 79 guided bombs), 3,987 artillery strikes, and launched 1,140 kamikaze drones. The most intense battles are taking place on the Pokrovsk front, where Ukrainian forces repelled over 50 attacks.
- Pokrovsk axis: 50 assaults were stopped near over 20 settlements, including Pokrovsk, Nova Poltavka, Myroliubivka, Muravka. Over 200 invaders were neutralized; armored vehicles, drones, communications equipment, and EW systems destroyed.
- Lyman axis: 19 attacks near Zelenyi Hai, Ridkodub, Kolodiazi, Yampilivka. Several clashes ongoing.
- Kupiansk axis: Five attacks near Pishchane, Novoosynove, Hlushkivka — all repelled.
- Kharkiv axis: Five Russian assaults near Vovchansk and Krasne Pershe, one airstrike on Dvorichna.
- Siversk axis: Six assaults near Bilohorivka and Hryhorivka, one ongoing.
- Kramatorsk axis: Attacks near Vasiukivka, Chasiv Yar, and Bila Hora.
- Toretsk axis: Six clashes near Diliivka, Petrivka, Toretsk.
- Novopavlivka axis: 15 assaults near Kostiantynopil, Bahatyr, Rozdolne.
- Orikhiv axis: Six Russian assaults near Mala Tokmachka, Pavlivka, Mali Shcherbaky.
- Dnipro river area: Four enemy assaults — all repelled, airstrike on Kozatske.
- Kursk axis: Nine attacks (one ongoing), 13 airstrikes (14 guided bombs), 228 artillery attacks.
- Huliaipole axis: No assaults recorded; airstrikes on Huliaipole.
- Other directions: No significant changes, no signs of new offensive groupings.
Ukrainian aviation, artillery, and drones continue to inflict substantial damage on Russian rear logistics and concentrations.
Russian Losses
According to the Ukrainian General Staff, the estimated Russian losses as of May 12, 2025, include:
- Personnel: 967,060 (+1,170)
- Tanks: 10,800 (+8)
- Armored combat vehicles: 22,473 (+27)
- Artillery systems: 27,718 (+48)
- MLRS: 1,381
- Air defense systems: 1,162 (+3)
- Aircraft: 372
- Helicopters: 335
- Tactical UAVs: 35,678 (+141)
- Cruise missiles: 3,197
- Ships/boats: 28
- Submarines: 1
- Vehicles and fuel tanks: 48,118 (+171)
- Special equipment: 3,884 (+6)
These figures reflect the sustained intensity of the combat and Ukraine’s effective targeting of enemy equipment and personnel, especially in eastern and southern areas.
Achievements of the Ukrainian Armed Forces
Throughout the past day, Ukraine’s Defense Forces continued delivering powerful strikes against Russian logistics, command posts, and manpower.
- Air and artillery forces struck 20 Russian personnel and equipment concentrations.
- Five artillery systems, one drone command post, and one ammunition depot were destroyed.
- Air defense units shot down 55 Shahed-type attack drones; 30 decoy drones failed to reach targets.
- In the Pokrovsk area, Ukrainian forces destroyed 2 armored vehicles, 10 motorcycles, 5 vehicles, 3 UAVs, a satellite terminal, an EW system, a Murom-M surveillance complex, and an artillery system.
Ukraine’s Armed Forces remain effective in both frontline and deep operations, significantly degrading Russia’s offensive capacity.
Diplomatic Initiatives and Negotiations
As of May 12, 2025, diplomatic activity regarding the war in Ukraine has escalated. Istanbul is emerging as a potential venue for direct talks. The Vatican, China, and European allies are intensifying pressure on Russia.
- Pope Leo XIV held his first phone call with President Zelenskyy on May 12. They discussed the return of deported children, a ceasefire, and a possible visit to Ukraine. Zelenskyy described the conversation as “warm and substantive.”
- Former U.S. President Donald Trump publicly offered to mediate talks between Zelenskyy and Putin in Turkey, sparking global reactions.
- China officially supported the joint 30-day ceasefire proposal from Ukraine, the EU, and the U.S. The Chinese MFA stated its willingness to assist in a political resolution.
- Turkish and Russian foreign ministers met to reaffirm their commitment to continued peace consultations. Turkey emphasized its respect for Ukraine’s sovereignty.
- Leaders from France, Germany, the UK, and Poland urged an immediate ceasefire and warned Russia of further sanctions, including full shutdown of Nord Stream 2.
- The U.S. blocked a G7 joint statement condemning Russia’s strike on Sumy to avoid undermining peace efforts — triggering internal debate among allies.
- President Zelenskyy reaffirmed his readiness for a personal meeting with Putin in Turkey, but only after a complete halt to shelling.
Despite increased international involvement, the lack of a clear Russian response casts doubt on the near-term success of peace initiatives.
International Support for Ukraine
As of May 12, 2025, Ukraine continues to receive vital military and financial aid from global partners. The focus remains on boosting air defenses, investing in Ukraine’s defense industry, and leveraging frozen Russian assets.
- The U.S. approved the transfer of 125 long-range missiles and 100 Patriot interceptors from Germany to Ukraine, marking a new milestone in air defense cooperation.
- Canada announced a new $350 million aid package, including Roshel armored vehicles, reconnaissance drones, EW systems, and training support.
- The EU allocated €900 million for arms procurement, funded by interest from frozen Russian assets.
- Denmark pledged €830 million for purchasing Ukraine-made weapons, such as drones and electronic warfare equipment.
- Lithuania launched a joint naval drone production initiative with Ukraine, based on a “1-for-1” model (one for Lithuania, one for Ukraine).
Support for Ukraine is becoming more systemic, with a shift from short-term aid to long-term co-production and defense modernization.
Humanitarian Situation in Ukraine
As of May 12, 2025, the humanitarian situation remains dire in several regions due to relentless Russian attacks.
- Overnight Shahed drone strikes hit Odesa, Mykolaiv, Zhytomyr, and Donetsk regions. Residential blocks, aid depots, and energy facilities were damaged. Three people were injured in Odesa, including a child.
- An airstrike on the village of Boyaro-Lezhachi (Sumy region) destroyed homes and power lines; seven civilians were injured.
- Chernihiv and Sumy regions suffered over 280 artillery and mortar strikes. More than 20 buildings were damaged in the villages of Bratenytsia and Slavgorod.
- A cluster munition attack on Pokrovsk killed at least five and wounded 12 others. Evacuations from frontline settlements are ongoing.
- In Mykolaiv region, drone strikes damaged a water supply system and filtration facilities. Emergency water deliveries are being organized.
- Zhytomyr region endured decoy drone threats, triggering widespread psychological stress. Requests for psychological support have surged.
- The Red Cross and World Central Kitchen delivered over 150 tons of aid to Kharkiv and Kherson regions within 24 hours, including food, generators, and medicine.
Despite the hardship, Ukrainian responders and international NGOs continue to operate around the clock to assist affected civilians.
Domestic Situation in Ukraine
As of May 12, 2025, Ukraine’s internal developments are focused on mobilization, macroeconomic stabilization, digitalization, and legislative reforms.
- President Zelenskyy vetoed the military registry bill, citing needed changes. Parliament will reconsider the law.
- The Ministry of Defense plans to implement new career advancement standards, based on skills and combat experience.
- The Cabinet registered a bill to direct resource revenues to Ukraine’s recovery fund, aiding postwar reconstruction.
- The National Bank revised its inflation forecast, raising it to 8.7% for 2025, with expectations of returning to 5% by 2026.
- The Ministry of Digital Transformation launched an updated Diia.Education platform, expanding free access to digital skills training.
- Parliament extended martial law and general mobilization until August 6, 2025 — marking the 15th extension since the invasion began.
- Anti-draft evasion measures remain in effect, with expanded checks at enlistment centers and roadblocks.
- Rallies in Lviv and Dnipro supported front-line troops, calling for rotation policies and better medical care for veterans.
Despite wartime pressures, the government is pursuing institutional reforms and economic adaptation with broad public engagement.
Summary
As of May 12, 2025, the battlefield remains highly volatile. Russia continues large-scale assaults, especially near Pokrovsk, Lyman, and Kupiansk. Ukraine’s Armed Forces are successfully holding ground and striking the enemy’s logistics.
Diplomatic channels are becoming more active, but a lasting ceasefire is not yet in sight. Western partners are increasing support, both militarily and financially. Internally, Ukraine is undergoing essential military, digital, and institutional reforms.
Ukraine maintains strategic initiative on defense. Combined with firm international support and national resilience, the country continues to resist aggression and build the groundwork for future recovery.
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