Russia has said that its Su-25 attack aircraft have carried out missile strikes on Ukrainian military targets near Lyman, as these images purport to show.
The footage shows the Russian fighter jets taking off from a runway and flying low over countryside, firing missiles at unseen targets.
One of the aircraft takes evasive action, deploying flares, and appears to land back at base.
Ukrainian Border Guards Take Out Russian Position And Military Vehicles Near Bakhmut
The images were obtained from the Russian Ministry of Defence on Tuesday, 19th December, along with a statement claiming: “The crews of the attack aircraft of the Russian Aerospace Forces destroyed enemy manpower and equipment in the Krasnolimansk direction.
“The crews of Su-25 attack aircraft of the Russian Aerospace Forces destroyed a concentration of enemy personnel and lightly armoured equipment in the Krasnolimansk direction.
“The strike carried out by unguided S-8 aircraft missiles. In addition, the attack on targets carried out with pitching at an extremely low altitude.
“According to the reports of the forward aircraft gunner, all of these targets were successfully destroyed. The flight went as usual.”
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 664th day of the full-scale war.
The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine reported that between 24th February 2022 and 18th December 2023. Russia had lost about 348,300 personnel, 5,798 tanks, 10,771 armoured combat vehicles, 8,190 artillery units, 926 multiple launch rocket systems, 611 air defence systems , 324 warplanes, 324 helicopters, 6,299 drones, 1,611 cruise missiles, 22 warships, 1 submarine, 10,842 motor vehicles and fuel tankers, and 1,200 units of special equipment.
Ukrainian Special Forces And Artillery Take Out Russian EW Systems And Military Vehicles Near Bakhmut
The EU has enacted its 12th package of sanctions against Russia. Focusing on import/export bans, combating sanctions circumvention, and closing loopholes.
Measures include prohibiting the import, purchase, or transfer of diamonds and jewellery from Russia.
Meanwhile, Russian forces continued a major assault on the Ukrainian city of Avdiivka, causing extensive damage and casualties, with intense battles reportedly ongoing.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has submitted documents to register as a candidate in the 2024 presidential election. Supported by at least 500 backers, including officials from the ruling United Russia party.
The UK’s Ministry of Defence has reported that Russian fighters from the Storm-Z units. Some with limb amputations, are likely being returned to combat duties with unhealed wounds.
Bulgaria has scrapped a tax on the transit of Russian gas through its territory after Hungary threatened to veto its bid to join the Schengen free movement zone.
Polish truckers have resumed their blockade of the main crossing at the Ukrainian border, causing disruptions and higher prices for fuel and food items.
Two Ukrainian civilians were killed in recent Russian attacks. One killed in the village of Krasnopillia in the Sumy region and the second on the street during an attack on the centre of the city of Kherson.
