Russia has said that its artillery hit a Ukrainian mortar and an armoured fighting vehicle in Staromaiorske, as these images purport to show.
The footage shows Russian artillery repeatedly opening fire with the images then cutting to explosions on the battlefield, reportedly the Ukrainian positions being hit.
The images were obtained from the Russian Ministry of Defence (MoD) on Monday, 20th May, along with a statement claiming (in English): “Artillery crews of Vostok Group of Forces eliminate AFU [Armed Forces of Ukraine] mortar and armoured fighting vehicle near Staromayorskoye in South Donetsk direction.”
The Russian MoD added: “Reconnaissance units located the AFU mortar and movement of armoured fighting vehicles in a forest belt near the line of contact. The targets’ coordinates were promptly sent to the artillerymen, who delivered the strikes and hit the enemy by the first shot.”
We have not been able to independently verify the claims or the footage.
