Russian troops from the North group of forces attacked a detachment of the Armed Forces of Ukraine (AFU) moving towards the Kursk region, killing 12 Ukrainian servicemen. This was reported on May 19, 2025, by RIA Novosti, citing an officer of the North group. The attack took place near the border village of Tyotkino, where the AFU attempted to conduct reconnaissance in force with the aim of breaking through the border. According to the Russian Defense Ministry, two armored combat vehicles and one car were also destroyed during the operation.

According to information provided by a Sever officer, a Ukrainian Armed Forces unit of approximately 20 people was spotted attempting to cross the border from Ukraine's Sumy region near the village of Bessalovka. Russian forces used artillery and FPV drones, which allowed them to quickly neutralize the group. The strikes were carried out on reconnaissance targets, after which intelligence confirmed the destruction of enemy personnel and equipment. This attack was part of ongoing hostilities in the Kursk direction, where the Ukrainian Armed Forces have repeatedly attempted to break through to Russian territory since August 2024.

The context of the fighting in the Kursk region is connected with the attempt of the Ukrainian Armed Forces in August 2024 to capture up to 1300 km² of Russian territory, including the city of Sudzha.