These images purport to show a Russian Solntsepek heavy flamethrower firing missiles at Ukrainian positions.
The footage shows ordnance being loaded into the weapon by a Russian soldier before the war machine can be seen opening fire.
The images were obtained from the Russian Ministry of Defence (MoD) on Monday, 11th December, along with a statement claiming: “The crew of the Solntsepek heavy flamethrower system performs tasks in one of the areas of the special military operation.”
The Russian MoD added: “The heavy flamethrower system TOS-1A ensures the guaranteed destruction of enemy personnel and equipment in open spaces, shelters, and areas with complex terrain. The 220mm unguided rocket projectiles with volumetric-detonating charges eliminate enemy shelters by dispersing explosive mixtures in the form of aerosol, followed by ignition. A high-temperature field of excess pressure is created. The damaging factors also include a powerful shockwave and projectile fragments.”
“The commander of the heavy flamethrower platoon, callsign ‘Tourist’, shared that the “Sunheat” systems in the area of the Special Military Operations (SVO) are practically deployed daily against long-term fortified firing points, shelters with cover thickness of 2-3 metres, and also target underground communication systems in fortified areas and trenches of the AFU [Armed Forces of Ukraine].”
The statement quotes the commander as saying: “These are targets that infantry cannot capture without powerful fire support. The area of effect of each thermobaric projectile exceeds 25 square meters, as the aerosol penetrates any cracks and fills voids.”
The statement also said: “The commander of the heavy flamethrower platoon also notes that TOS systems are prioritized targets for the enemy due to their high efficiency. Therefore, it is crucial for the crew to quickly change positions.”
The statement quoted as saying: “We manage to leave the position before the first retaliatory shot from the enemy. It takes literally about 40 seconds. When you work every day, your hands remember everything very well, mechanical memory kicks in, and everything becomes easier.”
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 656th day of the full-scale war.
The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine reported that between 24th February 2022 and 11th December 2023, Russia had lost about 339,850 personnel, 5,655 tanks, 10,560 armoured combat vehicles, 8,070 artillery units, 919 multiple launch rocket systems, 605 air defence systems, 324 warplanes, 324 helicopters, 6,154 drones, 1,586 cruise missiles, 22 warships, 1 submarine, 10,636 motor vehicles and fuel tankers, and 1,168 units of special equipment.
Russia has claimed that its casualties have been much lower but provides infrequent updates on its latest figures.
US President Joe Biden has invited his Ukrainian counterpart Volodymyr Zelensky to the White House days after his administration warned that money for aid for Ukraine would run out unless lawmakers could come to an agreement.
Zelensky will reportedly arrive in Washington today, Monday, 11th December, for “a series of meetings and discussions”.
He has also been invited to address US senators on Tuesday morning and is set to have a private meeting with US House of Representatives Speaker Mike Johnson.
Zelensky has said that he had a “frank” conversation with Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban on the sidelines of the inauguration of Argentina’s new president, Javier Milei.
Zelensky said: “It was as frank as possible – and obviously, it was about our European affairs.”
Orban has threatened to block further aid from the European Union to Ukraine as well as membership accession talks.
The UK has said that it has delivered two mine-hunting ships to Ukraine.
Previously known as the HMS Grimsby and HMS Shoreham, they have been renamed as the Chernihiv and Cherkasy.
