Russia has said that it has attacked Ukrainian military positions using a Msta-B howitzer in the Donetsk region.
The footage purports to show the Russian artillery piece preparing to fire from a position in a forested area.
The Msta-B howitzer can be seen being loaded with ordnance before opening fire.
The footage then cuts to explosions and the battlefield, reportedly the Ukrainian positions being hit.
The images were obtained from the Russian Ministry of Defence (MoD) on Tuesday, 2nd February, along with a statement claiming. “Crews of 152-mm towed howitzers ‘Msta-B’ of the artillery brigade of the 1st Army Corps destroyed an observation post of Ukrainian nationalists discovered by reconnaissance.”
Ukrainian Special Forces Destroy Russian Msta-B Howitzer Near Bakhmut
The Russian MoD also said: “Thanks to the effective and well-coordinated work of the artillerymen in conjunction with spotters and operators of reconnaissance unmanned aerial vehicles. The enemy’s fortifications and observation posts were destroyed.
“To destroy fortifications, high-explosive fragmentation shells were used, which made it possible to inflict maximum damage to fortifications, including buried concrete fortifications of the enemy.”
We have not been able to independently verify the claims or the footage.
The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine reported that between 24th February 2022 and 2nd February 2024. Russia had lost approximately 387,060 personnel, 6,331 tanks, 11,792 armoured combat vehicles, 9,274 artillery units, 978 multiple launch rocket systems. 663 air defence systems, 332 warplanes, 324 helicopters, 7,146 drones, 1,847 cruise missiles, 24 warships, 1 submarine, 12,316 motor vehicles and fuel tankers, and 1,470 units of special equipment.”
The UN’s top court is set to decide if Ukraine’s claim against Russia for violating international law can proceed.
Russia Says It Attacked Ukrainian Positions Using Msta-B Howitzer
Ukraine alleges Russia breached the 1948 Genocide Convention by justifying invasion to stop alleged genocide in eastern Ukraine.
The court issued emergency measures in March 2022, ordering Russia to halt military operations in Ukraine.
EU leaders have persuaded Hungary’s Viktor Orban to approve a EUR 50 billion aid package for Kyiv, which Orban had previously vetoed, now securing unanimous agreement.
Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky has expressed his gratitude to EU leaders for securing a deal on long-term financial assistance while urging them to increase military aid.
He emphasised the significance of the unanimous decision by all 27 leaders. Highlighting strong EU unity.
Russia’s President Vladimir Putin is set to visit Turkey on 12 February to meet with President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, according to a Turkish official.
This visit is notable as Putin faces travel restrictions due to an international criminal court (ICC) warrant for war crimes, but Turkey, despite being a NATO member, does not recognise the ICC.
Next week, the US Senate will attempt to vote on a bill merging new southern border policies with wartime aid for Ukraine and other allies. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer set the vote for Wednesday.
