Russia has said that it has fired on Ukrainian positions using self-propelled guns, as this footage purports to show.
The images show the preparation of a camouflaged Russian war machine, adorned with tree branches, before it is loaded with ammunition and fires multiple rounds at undisclosed targets.
The images were obtained from the Russian Ministry of Defence (MoD) on Friday, 29th December, along with a statement claiming: “Artillery units of the Western Military District carry out precision strikes around the clock on the positions of the Ukrainian Armed Forces in the zone of the special military operation in the Kupyansky direction. They destroy military facilities, fortifications and enemy personnel.
“Artillerymen have to work every day in the most difficult conditions, but trained crews spend only a few minutes after receiving a target before firing a shot, employing tactics involving frequent changes of firing positions.
“During combat missions, artillerymen target camouflaged artillery positions of the Armed Forces of Ukraine identified by reconnaissance units. These positions are often remote from the line of contact, including ammunition depots, fortified strongholds, long-term firing points, and concentrations of enemy manpower.
Russia Says It Fired On Ukrainian Positions Using Self-Propelled Guns
“The work on these targets is carried out from the battery fire control point. Target coordinates are provided to gun crews, and we receive the targets themselves from higher headquarters. We then calculate and relay the information to the guns for destruction.
“We are constantly on duty.”
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 674th day of the full-scale war.
The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine reported that between 24th February 2022 and 29th December 2023. Russia had lost approximately 357,520 personnel, 5,953 tanks, 11,033 armoured combat vehicles, 8,417 artillery units, 938 multiple launch rocket systems, 620 air defence systems, 329 warplanes, 324 helicopters, 6,539 drones, 1,620 cruise missiles, 23 warships, 1 submarine, 11,215 motor vehicles and fuel tankers, and 1,254 units of special equipment.
Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky expressed his gratitude to the US for a USD 250 million arms package, emphasising the crucial role of the US-led coalition in providing military aid.
Russia Says It Destroyed Ukrainian Fortified Positions Using Self-Propelled Guns
Highlighting USD 24 billion in support this year, including F-16 jets, he underscored the need for a strong response to ongoing Russian aggression for the security of Ukraine, Europe, and the United States.
Russian forces attacked Vovchansk in Kharkiv Oblast on 28th December. Causing casualties, including the death of a 66-year-old woman and injuries to another resident, according to regional governor Oleh Syniehubov.
The UK Ministry of Defence has confirmed that a Ukrainian strike on 25th December destroyed the Russian navy’s Ropucha-class landing ship tank (LST) Novocherkassk at the port of Feodosia in Russian-occupied Crimea.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov has reasserted Russia’s determination to achieve its goals in military operations in Ukraine.
He criticised the West, claiming that the strategy to inflict a strategic defeat on Russia had “completely failed.”
Lavrov claimed that the G7 countries are planning a “peace formula” to be proposed by Zelensky.
Russia Says It Has Fired At Ukrainian Positions Using 120-mm Self-Propelled Guns
He also claimed that an agreement was reached during a “secret summit” held approximately 10 days ago.
Ukraine and Hungary are making arrangements for an upcoming meeting between Zelensky and his counterpart and Viktor Orban. The Ukrainian president’s Chief Of Staff said on Thursday.
Ukraine’s air defence systems successfully intercepted and shot down seven out of eight Shahed drones launched by Russia overnight, according to the country’s Air Force.
The Russian Ministry of Defence has claimed to have thwarted a Ukrainian drone attack over Russian-occupied Crimea during the same period.
Senior Russian diplomat Mikhail Ulyanov, the Permanent Representative of Russia to International Organizations in Vienna. Has suggested that Finland would be the first country to “suffer” in the event of heightened tensions between Russia and NATO due to its proximity to Russia.
Ulyanov also said that Finland as a neighbouring state was vulnerable should the situation in the region escalate further.
The United States has reportedly proposed the formation of working groups among G7 nations to investigate methods for seizing approximately USD 300 billion in frozen Russian assets.
