Russia has said that it has hit a fortified Ukrainian position using a multiple launch rocket systems, as these images purport to show.
The footage shows a Russian Solntsepek multiple launch rocket system manoeuvring out of a forested area and driving along a dirt track in woodland before stopping in a clearing.
It can then be seen preparing its weapon system to fire before firing a rocket into the sky.
The images then cut to what appear to be drone images showing an explosion in a forested area.
The Russian war machine then appears to adjust its targeting before firing a salvo of rockets.
It can then be seen lowering its weapons system and beginning to manoeuvre away to avoid return fire as the footage ends.
The images were obtained from the Russian Ministry of Defence (MoD) on Monday, 17th July, along with a statement claiming: “The crew of a heavy flamethrower system from the Central Military District defeated a stronghold and ammunition depot of the Armed Forces of Ukraine in the zone of the special military operation.”
The Russian MoD added: “Servicemen of the crew of the heavy flamethrower system TOS-1A ‘Solntsepek’ of the Central Military District (TsVO) destroyed a strong point and a warehouse with ammunition of the Armed Forces of Ukraine in the Krasno-Limansky direction in the zone of the special military operation (NVO).
“Having received the coordinates of the targets from the reconnaissance units, the crew of the TOS-1A Solntsepek moved to a previously prepared firing position.
“Thanks to the skills and high professional training, the servicemen immediately brought the combat vehicle from the marching position to the combat one, spending the minimum amount of time on this.
“In cooperation with a UAV system, the crew delivered accurate fire on the identified targets.
“In addition, TOS provides cover for the actions of assault motorised rifle units, cleaning up the area. The Sun system is a powerful type of weapon and is considered a priority target for the enemy.
“The command of the Central Military District notes the high firepower of the combat vehicle and its manoeuvrability. The system has proven itself in the course of the special military operation.”
We have not been able to independently verify the claims or the footage.
Russia invaded Ukraine on 24th February 2022 in what the Kremlin is still calling a “special military operation”. Today marks the 509th day of the full-scale war.
The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine reported that between 24th February 2022 and 17th July 2023, Russia had lost about 238,300 personnel, 4,115 tanks, 8,034 armoured combat vehicles, 4,504 artillery units, 685 multiple launch rocket systems, 428 air defence systems, 315 warplanes, 310 helicopters, 3,828 drones, 1,273 cruise missiles, 18 warships, 7,059 motor vehicles and fuel tankers, and 677 units of special equipment.
Russia has claimed that its casualties have been much lower but provides infrequent updates on its latest figures.
Ukraine’s Deputy Minister of Defence Hanna Maliar has said that fighting in the east of the country has “somewhat intensified”.
She said that Russian forces have been attacking Kupiansk in Kharkiv for two days, saying: “We are on the defensive.”
She also said that there were “fierce battles” and that Ukrainian forces were “gradually moving forward” along the southern flank of Bakhmut.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has said on television that the Ukrainian counteroffensive has been a failure.
Putin said: “All enemy attempts to break through our defences […] they have not succeeded since the offensive began. The enemy is not successful.”
Putin also said that Russia has a “sufficient stockpile” of cluster bombs and could use them if similar weapons were used against Russian forces in Ukraine.
He also denied that Russia had already used cluster bombs in Ukraine.
The UN’s-backed Ukraine grain export deal is set to expire later today, Monday, with the Kremlin saying over the weekend that it still had concerns and that “obstacles to the export of Russian food and fertilisers still remain unfulfilled.”
Two people were killed on Sunday as a result of Russian missile and shelling attacks on Kharkiv.
Andrii Demchenko, a spokesperson for Ukraine’s Border Guards, has said that only “a few hundred” Wagner mercenary fighters have relocated to Belarus so far.
He said: “There are some groups of mercenaries on the territory of Belarus, but we are not talking about any massive or large-scale deployment […] we are talking about a few hundred.”
