Russia has said that it has hit Ukrainian military positions with an S-60 anti-aircraft gun.
The footage purports to show the Russian war machine manoeuvring into position, emerging on a dirt track from a forested area before preparing its ordnance in a field.
Russian soldiers can be seen preparing the weapon to fire before it is seen repeatedly firing its ordnance.
The images then cut to Ukrainian positions reportedly being hit by the Russian ordnance.
The anti-aircraft gun can then be seen moving away to avoid return fire as the footage ends.
The images were obtained from the Russian Ministry of Defence (MoD) on 22nd August, along with a statement claiming: “The crew of an S-60 anti-aircraft gun of the Western Military District performs fire missions to destroy the strongholds of the Armed Forces of Ukraine in the zone of the special military operation.”
The Russian MoD added: “During the special military operation, the artillery units of the Western Military District continue to carry out fire missions to destroy artillery batteries of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, destroy defensive structures, suppress command posts, destroy enemy strongholds, fire weapons, weapons and military equipment.
“Artillery crews deliver precision strikes on enemy positions around the clock.
“On one of the directions in the zone of the special military operation, the personnel of the artillery battery of S-60 guns destroyed dozens of fortified and camouflaged strongholds.
“On account of the gunners of the Western Military District – lined heavy and lightly armoured enemy equipment.
“The Russian units continue to modernise and improve weapons and military equipment, taking into account the requirements of modern combat.
“So, in the combined arms association of the Western Military District, the S-60 anti-aircraft gun was installed on the MT-LB base. The forward crew of this gun is fully included in combat work.
“Reconnaissance with the help of a drone recorded camouflaged enemy strongholds. The exact coordinates were handed over to the artillerymen. They immediately advanced to the firing line, to destroy targets according to the reconnaissance received. The servicemen aimed the cannon and destroyed the camouflaged opnik of the Armed Forces of Ukraine with rapid fire. Shooting was carried out with high-explosive fragmentation ammunition at a distance of up to six kilometres.
“Anti-aircraft gunners go on combat missions several times a day, constantly changing their firing positions to exclude the possibility of detection by the enemy.
“The anti-aircraft crew tries to use less ammunition by adjusting the shooting from the quadcopter, which improves the accuracy of hits and efficiency.
“Artillery crews of the Western Military District are coordinated, focused and aimed at victory. Everyone knows his task within the framework of the work of the calculation, and everyone is ready to ensure a comrade and, if necessary, take his place.
“This understanding gives not only strength but also faith – each of them makes a significant contribution to the outcome of the battle over and over again.
“Wherever the enemy decides to move, the scouts are among the first to know about it and transmit the coordinates to the command.
“ZVO artillerymen use the 57-mm S-60 anti-aircraft gun to combat armoured ground targets.
“The ammunition used for firing from the guns consists of unitary cartridges having two projectiles: a fragmentation tracer and an armour-piercing tracer. The fragmentation tracer is intended primarily for firing at air targets. The projectile has a high-sensitivity head impact fuse with a self-liquidator. The tracer provides observation of the trajectory of the projectile. The armour-piercing tracer is designed to fire at armoured ground and air targets.
“The gun, having good mobility and the ability to quickly move from travelling to combat position, can be used to protect troops on the march from enemy aircraft.
“The design of the gun allows automatic fire in short and long bursts and single shots.
“The S-60 remains among the artillery systems most in demand in combat, and the design of the gun is included in the latest developments of the domestic defence industry. This gives the S-60 the right to enter the golden fund of Russian weapons.”
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 545th day of the full-scale war.
The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine reported that between 24th February 2022 and 22nd August 2023, Russia had lost about 258,340 personnel, 4,362 tanks, 8,476 armoured combat vehicles, 5,295 artillery units, 721 multiple launch rocket systems, 491 air defence systems, 315 warplanes, 316 helicopters, 4,312 drones, 1,406 cruise missiles, 18 warships, 7,722 motor vehicles and fuel tankers, and 797 units of special equipment.
Russia has claimed that its casualties have been much lower but provides infrequent updates on its latest figures.
Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky has said that Greece will participate in training Ukrainian air force pilots to fly F-16 fighter jets.
The announcement comes after Denmark and the Netherlands said on Sunday that they would provide 61 F-16s to Ukraine.
Zelensky said: “Today, we have the important result for aviation coalition. Greece will participate in training of our pilots for F-16. I am grateful for this proposal.”
During a press conference at Skridstrup Airbase in Denmark on Sunday, the Ukrainian President, in reply to a journalist asking about potential territorial concessions in exchange for NATO membership, had jokingly said: “We are ready to exchange Belgorod (Russia) for Ukraine’s membership in NATO.”
Russia’s ambassador to Denmark, Vladimir Barbin, has claimed that Denmark’s decision to provide Ukraine with American F-16s marks an “escalation” in the conflict.
Zelensky thanked Danish politicians on Monday for helping his country resist Russian aggression.
He said that if Russia succeeded, other parts of Europe would be at risk.
Zelensky said: “All of Russia’s neighbours are under threat if Ukraine does not prevail.”
