This is the incredible moment a Ukrainian anti-aircraft gun shoots down a Russian drone flying high in the sky with pinpoint accuracy.
Although the drone is not even visible against the overcast sky, a puff of smoke can be seen when it is taken out by a bulky missile in a precision hit.
The images were obtained earlier today (19th June) from the 92nd Mechanised Brigade “Ivan Sirko” of the Ukrainian Ground Forces.
The brigade said: “Russian ‘birds’ like to fly in the free Ukrainian sky, but our anti-aircraft gunners are always ready.
“They have ‘hunted down’ an enemy reconnaissance UAV. Glory to the Cossacks of Sіrko! Glory to the Armed Forces of Ukraine!”
The brigade – which is garrisoned in Kluhyno-Bashkyrivka, Kharkiv Region – did not specify where the footage was filmed.
Russia invaded Ukraine on 24th February 2022 in what the Kremlin is still calling a “special military operation”. Today marks the 481st day of the full-scale war.
The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine reported that between 24th February 2022 and 15th June 2023, Russia had lost about 220,450 personnel, 3,989 tanks, 7,735 armoured combat vehicles, 3,865 artillery units, 610 multiple launch rocket systems, 370 air defence systems, 314 warplanes, 305 helicopters, 3,383 drones, 1,211 cruise missiles, 18 warships, 6,613 motor vehicles and fuel tankers, and 526 units of special equipment.
Russia has claimed that its casualties have been much lower but provides infrequent updates on its latest figures.
Ukrainian Deputy Defence Minister Hanna Maliar said today (19th June) that the Tavria operational-strategic group liberated eight settlements near Berdyansk and Melitopol last week.
She named the settlements as Novodarivka, Levadne, Storozheve, Makarivka, Blagodatne, Lobkove, Neskuchne, and Piatykhatky.
Maliar added that the Ukrainian army advanced seven kilometres into enemy-held territory during the offensive.
Hostilities around Bakhmut have reduced in intensity. However, more than 40 clashes still took place there last week.
Also last week, the Ukrainian military allegedly captured more than 80 Russian fighters.
The Russian military has carried out 59 airstrikes and more than 100 rocket attacks on both Ukrainian military positions and residential areas over the past 24 hours.
This is according to Ukrainian Armed Forces General Staff spokesman Andrii Kovalev, who revealed that more than 20 residential buildings and a school had been destroyed or damaged.
Kovalev added that the Russians are continuing to focus their efforts around Lymansky, Bakhmutsky, Avdiyivskyi, and Marinsky, where 24 clashes have taken place in the past 24 hours.
The UN has been engaging with the Ukrainian and Russian governments about effective delivery of humanitarian aid to those affected by the destruction of the Kakhovka Dam.
According to the UN’s head in Ukraine, Denise Brown, the Russian government has repeatedly turned down the organisation’s request to access areas of Ukraine under Russian control.
The UN has said: “We urge the Russian authorities to act in accordance with their obligations under international humanitarian law.
“Aid cannot be denied to people who need it. The UN will continue to do all it can to reach all people – including those suffering as a result of the recent dam destruction – who urgently need life-saving assistance, no matter where they are.”
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said yesterday (18th June) that “Russia will lose the occupied territories. There is and will be no alternative to our steps for de-occupation.”
He added: “This week, we had Ramstein, and the main thing is the speed of supply. Next week, we will have new important communications with our partners, for the sake of our movement, for the sake of weapons, for the sake of our warriors having everything they need.
“I am grateful to everyone who is now in combat, in positions and at combat posts! I thank everyone who helps!”
