In a recent statement, Russia's Defense Ministry confirmed the destruction of a Ukrainian Yakovlev Yak-52 aircraft that had been used by Kyiv's forces in the ongoing war. The ministry's statement also highlighted the shooting down of several U.S.-made missiles, French-made air bombs, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), and HIMARS rockets.

The Russian military did not specify the exact location of the downed Yak-52 aircraft. However, the pro-war Russian Military Informant Telegram channel suggested that a Russian missile strike may have hit a facility in Ukraine's southwestern Odesa region, which housed the aircraft. The channel claimed that the Yak-52 played a significant role in intercepting enemy spy drones.

A Russian military blogger had previously described how Ukraine was utilizing the Yak-52 aircraft as a mobile anti-aircraft platform or interceptor plane. According to the blogger, the second person in the aircraft would use a double-barreled shotgun to shoot down enemy UAVs.

Both Russia and Ukraine have been experiencing significant losses in terms of troops and equipment due to the intense fighting in Eastern Ukraine. Russia had launched an offensive in the Kharkiv region on May 10, resulting in the seizure of villages along Ukraine's northeastern frontier. However, the Russian advance has gradually slowed down in recent weeks.

The Russian Defense Ministry's update also revealed the extent of the destruction caused by the military operations. According to the ministry, Russia has destroyed a total of 628 Ukrainian aircraft, 277 helicopters, 27,650 UAVs, 552 anti-aircraft missile systems, 16,594 tanks and other armored combat vehicles, 1,378 multiple-launch rocket systems, 11,982 pieces of field artillery and mortars, and 23,739 units of special military vehicles.

On the other hand, Ukraine's General Staff of Armed Forces has been providing updates on Russia's troop and equipment losses. In the past 24 hours, Ukraine claimed that Russia lost 44 artillery systems, bringing the total to 15,368. Additionally, Moscow has lost 15,862 armored combat vehicles, 8,227 tanks, 20,680 vehicles and fuel tanks, 361 military jets, 326 helicopters, and 28 warships.

The Russia-Ukraine war continues to escalate, resulting in a devastating toll on both sides. As the conflict persists, both countries remain locked in fierce battles and face mounting casualties and material losses.

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