Russia has claimed that it has destroyed 10 Ukrainian ammo transport vehicles including ammo for American-made M777 howitzers.
The Russian Ministry of Defence (MoD) claimed that this operation had been carried out by BM-21 ‘Grad’ multiple launch rocket systems, as can be seen in this footage obtained from the MoD on Wednesday, 31st August.
The footage shows a number of BM-21 ‘Grad’ vehicles bearing a white ‘O’ symbol, manoeuvring into position.
The ‘O’ is one of the symbols, as well as the letters ‘V’ and ‘Z’ that can be seen painted on Russian military vehicles taking part in the invasion of Ukraine.
They then calibrate their targeting systems before firing a volley of missiles, presumably at unseen Ukrainian targets.
The Russian MoD claimed in a statement, also obtained on 31st August, that the footage shows the “combat work of the Grad MLRS of the self-propelled artillery regiment of the Central Military District”
The Russian MoD also claimed: “During the fire, the position of air defence systems and more than 10 ammunition transport vehicles were destroyed, including those for the American 155-mm M777 howitzers.
“Combat work is carried out both day and night.”
We have not been able to independently verify the claims or the footage.
Russia invaded Ukraine on 24th February in what the Kremlin is still calling a “special military operation”. Today marks the 189th day of the war.
The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine reported that between 24th February and 31st August, Russia had lost about 47,900 personnel, 1,974 tanks, 4,312 armoured combat vehicles, 1,091 artillery units, 285 multiple launch rocket systems, 152 air defence systems, 234 warplanes, 204 helicopters, 849 drones, 196 cruise missiles, 15 warships, 3,236 motor vehicles and fuel tankers, and 103 units of special equipment.
Russia has claimed that its casualties have been much lower, but provides infrequent updates on its latest figures.
An adviser to Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky, Oleksiy Arestovych, has said that the country’s counteroffensive to retake Kherson will be a “slow operation to grind the enemy”.
Arestovych added: “Of course, many would like a large-scale offensive with news about the capture by our military of a settlement in an hour. But we don’t fight like that… funds are limited.”
President Zelensky has said that “heavy fighting” is ongoing in “almost the entire territory” of Kherson.
Natalia Humeniuk, a spokesperson for Ukraine’s Southern Command, said that Ukraine’s forces have successfully damaged bridges that cross the Dnieper River to Kherson, leaving them “impassable for heavy machinery”.
The Russian-installed leader of occupied Kherson, Kirill Stremousov, has reportedly fled back to Russia.
President Zelensky said that Ukraine’s parliament has endorsed several laws and ratifications to bring the country closer to the European Union. He added: “We are moving step by step towards full membership in the EU.”
The last Soviet leader, Mikhail Gorbachev, has died in Moscow aged 91. Tributes to the statesman, who passed away on Tuesday, 30th August, have been pouring in. Gorbachev has been praised for bringing an end to the Cold War with his policy of “openness” (glasnost).
