Russia has said that it has attacked Ukrainian military positions using a Msta-B howitzer in Zaporizhzhia Oblast.
The footage purports to show the Russian artillery piece preparing to fire from a position in a forested area.
Msta-B howitzers can be seen being loaded with ordnance before opening fire at the Ukrainian military positions.
The images were obtained from the Russian Ministry of Defence on Wednesday, 3rd January, along with a statement saying: “Artillery crews of the Southern Military District continue to carry out fire missions during a special military operation to defeat artillery positions of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, destroy defensive structures, suppress enemy command posts and fire weapons in the Zaporizhzhia direction.”
The combat operation of the 152-mm Msta-B howitzer is executed with high-explosive fragmentation and updated high-precision guided artillery ammunition, which annihilates the enemy at distant approaches and hinders the enemy from transferring reserves to the line of combat contact.
“The Krasnopol high-precision ammunition is very good. We have been working with the new modernized version for about two months. It can be prepared for a shot very quickly, and it always shoots at the target,” said the commander of an artillery battery with the call sign ‘Neva.’
Ukrainian Special Forces Destroy Russian Msta-B Howitzer Near Bakhmut
“The use of various techniques, such as fire screening, fire bag, barrage fire, and rapid fire, enables artillerymen to most effectively defeat Ukrainian Armed Forces units. After live firing, the crews perform a manoeuvre to change firing positions and replenish ammunition.
“Adjustment of artillery fire and control of hitting targets is carried out using reconnaissance and surveillance systems, as well as crews of unmanned aerial vehicles, which makes it possible to inflict maximum damage on armoured vehicles and manpower of the Ukrainian Armed Forces.”
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 679th day of the full-scale war.
The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine reported that between 24th February 2022 and 3rd January 2024. Russia had lost approximately 361,500 personnel, 5,990 tanks, 11,107 armoured combat vehicles, 8,546 artillery units, 945 multiple launch rocket systems, 629 air defence systems, 329 warplanes, 324 helicopters, 6,748 drones, 1,783 cruise missiles, 23 warships, 1 submarine, 11,391 motor vehicles and fuel tankers, and 1,298 units of special equipment.
Russia Says It Attacked Ukrainian Positions Using Msta-B Howitzer
Ongoing Russian missile and drone strikes in Kyiv and Kharkiv on Tuesday have caused at least five deaths, numerous injuries, extensive damage, and disruptions to power supplies, according to Ukrainian officials.
Kyiv’s mayor, Vitali Klitschko, reported damaged gas pipelines in the Pecherskyi district, with electricity and water disruptions in several areas.
Kharkiv’s mayor, Ihor Terekhov, mentioned damage to heating and water supplies in the city.
Russia admitted to accidentally bombing a village in its Voronezh region near Ukraine.
The Russian army stated that an “abnormal discharge of aircraft ammunition” occurred over Petropavlovka village, with no reported casualties, according to Russian news agencies.
Turkey has refused passage through its waters for two British minehunter ships destined for the Black Sea to assist Ukraine.
Turkey is enforcing an international pact allowing it to block military ships’ transit during conflicts via the Bosphorus and Dardanelles straits. However, naval ships returning to their home bases are exempt from this restriction.
One man was reported killed and seven others injured in a Ukrainian attack on Tuesday in the city and region of Belgorod, near the Russia-Ukraine border, as claimed by the Russian defense ministry and regional officials.
Russia Says Its Artillery Fired At Ukrainian Positions Near Zaporizhzhia
Ukraine’s Foreign Minister, Dmytro Kuleba, has appealed for the swift delivery of air defence systems, combat drones, and long-range missiles.
In response to a recent Russian strike, Kuleba has urged Ukraine’s Western partners to hasten the provision of additional military capabilities. Including air defence systems, various types of combat drones, and long-range missiles with a range exceeding 300 km.
Lithuania’s President, Gitanas Nauseda, and Latvia’s President, Edgars Rinkevics. Joined in calling for increased support, specifically emphasizing the need for additional air defence systems for Ukraine.
