These images show Ukrainian forces destroying a Russian 120 millimetres calibre mortar platoon.
The images show a Ukrainian drone dropping bombs on the Russian position at night, with aftermath footage in the light of day showing it destroyed.
The images were obtained from the K2 Combat Group of the 54th Separate Mechanised Brigade of the Armed Forces of Ukraine on Wednesday, 19th July, along with a statement saying: “Night operations using heavy strike drones continue. This time the target is a 120-mm mortar platoon. It is their calculation of the pilots that needs to be struck this night.”
They also said the images were filmed near Siversk and Soledar.
The images were also relayed by the Ground Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine on Thursday, 20th July, along with a statement saying: “Night operations using heavy strike drones continue. This time, the pilots’ target is a 120-mm mortar platoon. K2 54 OMBr.”
Russia invaded Ukraine on 24th February 2022 in what the Kremlin is still calling a “special military operation”. Today marks the 513th day of the full-scale war.
The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine reported that between 24th February 2022 and 21st July 2023, Russia had lost about 240,690 personnel, 4,133 tanks, 8,080 armoured combat vehicles, 4,610 artillery units, 692 multiple launch rocket systems, 440 air defence systems, 315 warplanes, 310 helicopters, 3,933 drones, 1,298 cruise missiles, 18 warships, 7,145 motor vehicles and fuel tankers, and 686 units of special equipment.
Russia has claimed that its casualties have been much lower but provides infrequent updates on its latest figures.
White House national security spokesperson John Kirby has said that Ukraine has begun using controversial cluster bombs supplied by the US and that they are doing so “quite effectively”.
Ukraine has warned that it may begin targeting shipping from Russian and Russian-occupied ports.
It also indicated that it was ready to fight on the Black Sea, after Russia declared a naval blockade and the bombardment of Ukrainian ports.
The moves come after Moscow pulled out of the Black Sea grain export deal on Monday.
Wheat prices are reportedly continuing to climb on global markets after Russia withdrew from the grain deal. Wheat was trading almost 1.5 per cent higher on the Chicago Board of Trade exchange on Thursday morning.
This comes after wheat rose over 8 per cent on Wednesday.
The United Nations Security Council is reportedly set to meet today, Friday, to discuss the “humanitarian consequences” of Moscow’s withdrawal from the Black Sea grain deal.
European Union foreign ministers have discussed a proposal for a EUR 20 billion (GBP 17.2 billion) fund to pay for weaponry, military aid and ammunition for Ukraine over the next four years.
The EU also said that it was extending sanctions against Russia for another six months, until the end of January next year.
