These images show a Ukrainian soldier attaching a white flight to a mortar shell before firing it at the Russians, saying to the camera that it is the only way he will ever be giving them one.
In the footage, the soldier can be heard saying: “Hi, Russian propagandists! You asked us to take white flags and surrender to Russian soldiers!
“So here we are, taking a white flag and giving up. This is the only way we will give up, a*seholes!
“We are Russian-speaking and we protect Ukraine!
“We didn’t invite you, we are not waiting for you!
“So, if we need to give up, this is the only way! Watch, a*seholes!”
The soldier then fires the mortar shell with the white flag on it at the Russians.
The footage was obtained from the Zaporizhzhia Separate Territorial Defence Brigade of the Armed Forces of Ukraine on Sunday, 5th February, along with a statement saying: “The mortarmen of the Melitopol Territorial Defence Battalion send their greetings to the Moscow propagandists and sent them the white flag they were expecting from our soldiers.
“Together to victory! Glory to Ukraine!”
The images and statement were also relayed by the Office of Strategic Communications (StratCom) of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
Russia invaded Ukraine on 24th February 2022 in what the Kremlin is still calling a “special military operation”. Today marks the 349th day of the war.
The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine reported that between 24th February 2022 and 7th February 2023, Russia had lost about 133,190 personnel, 3,245 tanks, 6,443 armoured combat vehicles, 2,232 artillery units, 461 multiple launch rocket systems, 227 air defence systems, 294 warplanes, 284 helicopters, 1,958 drones, 796 cruise missiles, 18 warships, 5,107 motor vehicles and fuel tankers, and 208 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 he is making some changes to the military personnel in charge of the borders and frontlines in a bid to boost Ukraine’s defensive stance against Russia.
Zelensky said on Monday evening: “We are bolstering our managerial positions.”
He added: “In a number of regions, particularly those on the border or on the frontline, we will appoint leaders with military experience. Those who can show themselves to be the most effective in defending against existing threats.”
Zelensky is set to visit Brussels on Thursday to meet the European Union’s leaders and address the European Parliament.
European Council Chief Charles Michel has reportedly invited the Ukrainian president to participate in a “future summit” involving the EU’s 27 members.
The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine said on Monday that Russia had launched five missile attacks and 12 air attacks within 24 hours and hit areas in southern Ukraine including Kherson.
The General Staff also said that Ukrainian aircraft had launched nine strikes on Russian anti-aircraft positions and troops.
The Ministry of Defence of the United Kingdom has said that Russia is making small advances as it attempts to encircle Bakhmut.
The UK MoD said: “While multiple alternative cross-country supply routes remain available to Ukrainian forces, Bakhmut is increasingly isolated.”
Pavlo Kyrylenko, the Ukrainian Governor of the Donetsk region, said: “The battles for the region are heating up.”
Serhiy Haidai, the Ukrainian Governor of the Luhansk region, said that shelling had decreased there as “the Russians have been saving ammunition for a large-scale offensive.”
Moscow is reportedly assembling additional troops in the Donbas region of eastern Ukraine ahead of an expected spring offensive.
Germany’s attempts to quickly put together two battalions of Leopard 2 tanks sourced from its European allies to send them to Ukraine is reportedly taking longer than expected.
But German government spokesperson Wolfgang Buechner said on Monday that “Germany’s commitment stands”.
Antonio Guterres, the Secretary-General of the United Nations, has cautioned that the world is heading towards a “wider war” over Ukraine.
Speaking to the United Nations general assembly, he said: “The prospects for peace keep diminishing. The chances of further escalation and bloodshed keep growing.”
