Russia has said that it has rained down thermobaric warheads on Ukrainian positions, as these images purport to show.
Thermobaric weapons are a type of explosive that uses the surrounding air to cause a high-temperature explosion.
The footage reportedly shows a Russian TOS-1 ‘Solntsepek’ multiple launch rocket system manoeuvring into position before it can be seen repeatedly opening fire on unseen Ukrainian positions.
The images then cut to footage which appears to have been filmed by a drone showing a number of explosions in what appears to be a forested area.
The images were obtained from the Russian Ministry of Defence (MoD) on Monday, 3rd April, along with a statement claiming: “The crews of heavy flamethrower systems TOS-1 ‘Solntsepek’ of the Airborne Forces continue to carry out combat missions of the special military operation.”
The Russian MoD added: “Thus, specialists in the radiation, chemical and biological defence of the Airborne Forces strike with 220-mm thermobaric unguided projectiles at the enemy hiding in strongholds and deep shelters.
“In addition, the crews of heavy flamethrower systems destroy observation and strongholds, ammunition caches and artillery positions.
“The TOS ‘Solntsepek’ is considered one of the priority targets for the enemy. In order to ensure security and prevent sabotage, the combat work of the Solntsepekov crews is covered by security groups.”
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 404th day of the full-scale war.
The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine reported that between 24th February 2022 and 3rd April 2023, Russia had lost about 175,160 personnel, 3,619 tanks, 6,993 armoured combat vehicles, 2,694 artillery units, 527 multiple launch rocket systems, 280 air defence systems, 306 warplanes, 291 helicopters, 2,262 drones, 911 cruise missiles, 18 warships, 5,553 motor vehicles and fuel tankers, and 298 units of special equipment.
Russia has claimed that its casualties have been much lower but provides infrequent updates on its latest figures.
Boris Grizlov, Russia’s Ambassador to Belarus, has said that Moscow will place tactical nuclear weapons near the Belarusian border with Latvia, Lithuania and Poland, which are all NATO members.
Vladlen Tatarsky, a prominent pro-Russia blogger, has been killed in an explosion at a cafe in central Saint Petersburg, according to Russia’s Minister of the Interior.
The bomb was reportedly hidden inside a statue that was given to Tatarsky as a present. The blast also reportedly injured about 30 people.
The US Secretary of State, Antony Blinken, has requested in a rare phone call with his Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov, that Russia release the detained American journalist Evan Gershkovich, who was arrested in Russia while working for the Wall Street Journal.
Blinken’s request was rejected by Russia, with Lavrov reportedly saying that the US should not “make a fuss” or attempt to politicise Gershkovich’s case.
The Kremlin has claimed that the journalist was spying and had been caught “red-handed”.
Over three dozen editors from news organisations across the world, including the Washington Post, Euronews, Sky, The Telegraph, The Times, the European Federation of Journalists, the New York Times, the Associated Press, the New Yorker, the Sunday Times, the Wall Street Journal and the Guardian, have signed a letter addressed to the Russian Ambassador to the United States, Anatoly Antonov, condemning the journalist’s detention.
The letter says in part: “Russia is sending the message that journalism within your borders is criminalized and that foreign correspondents seeking to report from Russia do not enjoy the benefits of the rule of law.”
The UK Ministry of Defence has said that Russia has suffered up to 200,000 casualties in the war in Ukraine, with a “significant number” of these due to “non-combat causes”.
The UK MoD added: “Other leading causes of non-combat casualties likely include poor weapon handling drills, road traffic accidents and climatic injuries such as hypothermia.”
Saudi Arabia and other Opec+ oil-producing countries including Russia have announced surprise cuts in oil production, with analysts reportedly saying this will cause an immediate rise in prices.
