Russia has said that its Su-25 fighter jets have fired missiles at Ukrainian positions in Donetsk.
The footage shows a Russian fighter jet being loaded with ordnance and taking to the skies before it can be seen flying low over countryside and opening fire on unseen targets before returning to base as the footage ends.
The images were obtained from the Russian Ministry of Defence (MoD) on Friday, 8th December, along with a statement claiming: “Su-25 attack aircraft of the Russian Aerospace Forces attacked units of the Armed Forces of Ukraine in the Donetsk direction.”
The Russian MoD added: “The crews of Su-25 attack aircraft of the Russian Aerospace Forces launched an attack with unguided aircraft missiles on an enemy stronghold and manpower in the Donetsk direction.
“After using aircraft weapons, the crews performed an anti-missile manoeuvre, released heat traps and returned to the departure airfield.”
The statement quotes a pilot with the call sign ‘Falcon’ as saying: “During the execution of the combat mission, an accumulation of enemy manpower was discovered, and the task of destruction was assigned. We prepared for the re-flight, took off, climbed, reached the point where the return began, reached the target, and launched unguided aircraft missiles from the nose up.
“Next – anti-missile manoeuvring, departure from the target, landing approach at the departure airfield. From the ground, the forward air gunners indicated that the target had been hit and thanked him for his work. Victory will be ours!”
Russia invaded Ukraine on 24th February 2022 in what the Kremlin is still calling a “special military operation”. Today marks the 653rd day of the full-scale war.
The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine reported that between 24th February 2022 and 8th December 2023, Russia had lost about 337,220 personnel, 5,626 tanks, 10,508 armoured combat vehicles, 8,057 artillery units, 919 multiple launch rocket systems, 605 air defence systems, 324 warplanes, 324 helicopters, 6,136 drones, 1,571 cruise missiles, 22 warships, 1 submarine, 10,591 motor vehicles and fuel tankers, and 1,159 units of special equipment.
Russia has claimed that its casualties have been much lower but provides infrequent updates on its latest figures.
David Cameron, the Foreign Secretary of the United Kingdom, has urged US lawmakers to approve additional aid for Ukraine a day after Republicans in the Senate blocked a funding bill for Kyiv and Israel.
Cameron told the Aspen Security Forum in the US capital Washington DC: “I’m not worried about the strength and unity and consensus and bravery of the Ukrainian people … I’m worried that we’re not going to do what we need to do.”
Fumio Kishida, Japan’s Prime Minister, has pledged USD 4.5 billion to Ukraine including USD 1 billion in humanitarian aid.
The Biden administration is reportedly considering making concessions to Republicans regarding the US’ southern border in a bid to secure further aid for Ukraine and additional support for Israel.
French President Emmanuel has met Viktor Orban at the Elysee palace in Paris in an effort to break a deadlock ahead of a European Union summit after Hungary’s Prime Minister threatened to block Ukraine’s accession talks.
The French presidency said that “several subjects” on the agenda of the EU summit next week were discussed, including “various aspects of European support for Ukraine”.
Ukraine’s rail network operator, Ukrzalynitsya, has said that the country has begun using train platforms to bypass a border blockade by Polish lorry drivers.
The UK and the US have accused Russian security services of carrying out cyber-espionage campaigns against politicians, journalists and NGOs.
The UK Foreign Ministry said that the FSB was behind “unsuccessful attempts to interfere in UK political processes”.
Ukraine has told its residents to conserve energy after a power plant near the frontlines was hit by showing.
Oleksandr Kamyshin, Ukraine’s Minister of Strategic Industries, has said that his country has agreed with two American companies to jointly manufacture urgently needed 155mm artillery shells in Ukraine.
He said: “We have agreements with two leading American companies to jointly produce, in Ukraine, 155-calibre ammunition.”
But production will reportedly not start for at least two years.
