Russia has said that it has destroyed Ukrainian strongholds in the South Donetsk region using Su-34 fighter jets.
The footage purports to show a Russian fighter jet being loaded with ordnance and prepared for takeoff before it takes to the skies.
It then flies at high altitude before dropping a bomb. The footage then shows explosions on the frontlines before the fighter jet appears to return to base.
The images were obtained from the Russian Ministry of Defence on Friday, 1st March, along with a statement claiming: “Su-34 fighter-bombers destroyed enemy concentrations and strongholds in the South Donetsk direction in the zone of a special military operation.
“During combat missions, the crews of Su-34 fighter-bombers of the Russian Aerospace Forces attacked concentrations of personnel and strongholds of the Ukrainian Armed Forces with high-explosive aerial bombs with universal planning and correction modules.
“As a result of the combat mission, all enemy targets were hit.”
We have not been able to independently verify the claims or the footage.
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The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine reported that between 24th February 2022 and 1st March 2024, Russia had lost approximately 414,680 personnel, 6,610 tanks, 12,582 armoured combat vehicles, 10,106 artillery units, 1,000 multiple launch rocket systems, 691 air defence systems, 345 warplanes, 325 helicopters, 7,794 drones, 1,912 cruise missiles, 25 warships, 1 submarine, 13,206 motor vehicles and fuel tankers, and 1,611 units of special equipment.
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Russia claims Ukraine shot down a military plane in January but hasn’t provided evidence. Ukraine hasn’t confirmed or denied it and disputes Russia’s version, questioning who was on board. Ukraine’s military says Russia didn’t warn them about any plane carrying prisoners. Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky accused Moscow of risking the lives of Ukrainian prisoners.
Ukraine’s military has shot down three additional Russian Su-34 fighter-bombers, extending its recent victories. Army chief Oleksandr Syrskyi announced on Telegram that the aircraft were destroyed during successful combat operations on Feb 29th 2024.
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Russian President Vladimir Putin has stated in his annual address to parliament that the West is trying to “destroy us” and “contain our development.” He warned that sending troops to fight in Ukraine could risk provoking a nuclear war.
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