LO 25.8.1.1.
6.17.0-2-default
Plasma 6.4.5
in libreoffice the CTRL-C / V is somewhat borked on several machines.
spreadsheet,
CTRL-C on object , object highlighted
arrow down to next field, press ENTER to insert , object is inserted, highlight removed.
all following CTRL-C now inserts an image instead of the values.
but
CTRL-C, press escape to remove the highlight, CTRL-V inserts values.
What that an intentional change?
Tried to reproduce. But in both cases, the contents i.e. the formula is copied, not the value. Assuming I understand you correctly.
Here on Gnome CTRL+C/V on Calc copies/pastes formula (or value if text or number is on cell).
Even copying/pasting objects (e.g. graphs) copies/pastes the object, not an image.
So either everything works as intended or we don’t understand what the OP is trying to do.
Wait a moment, yesterday’s snapshot included LO 25.8.2.2, so I am on the newer version (and kernel 6.17.1-1-default).