These images purport to show a Ukrainian armoured fighting vehicle being hit by a Russian missile fired from an attack helicopter.
The images were obtained from the Russian Ministry of Defence on Tuesday, 22nd August, along with a statement claiming: “Ka-52 helicopter crew destroys AFU armoured fighting vehicle with precision-guided missile strike. South Donetsk direction.”
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.”
