Russia has said that it has fired rockets at Ukrainian military positions near Donetsk using ‘Grad’ multiple launch rocket systems.
The images purport to show one of the Russian war machines being loaded with ordnance before it can be seen manoeuvring into position and opening fire.
The images then cut to a number of explosions purporting to show the Ukrainian positions being hit.
Images were obtained from the Russian Ministry of Defence on Friday, 1st March, along with a statement claiming: “Calculations of the combat use of high-precision loitering ammunition ‘Lancet’ by units of unmanned motorized rifle aircraft of the Crews of the Grad multiple launch rocket system (MLRS) of the Southern Group of Forces destroyed infantry and positions of Ukrainian Armed Forces units in the Donetsk direction.”
We have not been able to independently verify the claims or the footage.
The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine reported that between 24th February 2022 and 1st March 2024, Russia had lost approximately 414,680 personnel, 6,610 tanks, 12,582 armoured combat vehicles, 10,106 artillery units, 1,000 multiple launch rocket systems, 691 air defence systems, 345 warplanes, 325 helicopters, 7,794 drones, 1,912 cruise missiles, 25 warships, 1 submarine, 13,206 motor vehicles and fuel tankers, and 1,611 units of special equipment.
Russia has declared its readiness to hand over the bodies from a military plane crash. In January, as reported by the Russian state-run RIA news agency, citing human rights official Tatyana Moskalkova.
Russia Says It Fired At Ukrainian Military Positions Using ‘Grad’ Multiple Launch Rocket System
The crash, which occurred in Russia’s Belgorod region, led to Russia accusing Ukraine of shooting down the Ilyushin Il-76 plane. The incident resulted in the deaths of all 74 individuals on board, including 65 captured Ukrainian soldiers.
Russia claims Ukraine shot down a military plane in January but hasn’t provided evidence. Ukraine hasn’t confirmed or denied it and disputes Russia’s version, questioning who was on board. Ukraine’s military says Russia didn’t warn them about any plane carrying prisoners. Ukraine’s president Volodymyr Zelensky accused Moscow of risking the lives of Ukrainian prisoners.
Ukraine’s military has shot down three additional Russian Su-34 fighter-bombers. extending its recent victories. Army chief Oleksandr Syrskyi announced on Telegram that the aircraft were destroyed during successful combat operations on Feb 29th 2024.
Ukrainian forces have reclaimed the village of Orlivka, west of Avdiivka, from Russian troops, according to Syrskyi. The situation on the eastern front remains challenging, despite this victory.
Oleksandr Syrskyi the commander-in-chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine has stated that the Russian army has been attempting to capture several towns and villages in the eastern Donetsk region, including Tonenke, Orlivka, Semenivka, Berdychi, and Krasnohorivka. These areas were designated as a new line of defence after Ukrainian troops withdrew from Avdiivka on February 17th.
Ukrainian Artillery Destroys Russian Armoured Vehicles On Frontlines
Russian President Vladimir Putin has stated in his annual address to parliament that the West is trying to “destroy us” and “contain our development”. He warned that sending troops to fight in Ukraine could risk provoking a nuclear war.
The US responded to Putin’s remarks, stating there’s no indication that Russia is preparing for nuclear war. The State Department condemned Putin’s rhetoric as irresponsible, emphasizing that it’s not suitable for a leader of a nuclear-armed state.
Ukraine has identified 511 suspected war criminals since Russia’s invasion in February 2022, with 81 convictions already handed down, according to its prosecutor general. The announcement came during a war crimes conference in Kyiv, where officials from Poland, Lithuania, Romania, and Eurojust also participated.
