Russia has said that it has destroyed Ukrainian military positions using a TOS-1A ‘Solntsepyok’.
The footage reportedly shows the Russian TOS-1A ‘Solntsepyok’ firing deadly ordnance into the sky.
The images then cut to footage showing a number of explosions on the battlefield.
The images obtained from the Russian Ministry of Defence on Friday, 15th March, along with a statement claiming: “Crews of the TOS-1 ‘Solntsepek’ heavy flamethrower systems perform tasks in the area of a special military operation. The peculiarities of using flamethrower systems make it possible to ignore enemy fortifications.
“Radiation, Chemical, and Biological Defense troop specialists inflict crushing blows with 220-mm thermobaric shells on the positions of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, burning out their buried shelters, observation and strong points, ammunition caches, and artillery positions.
“It takes less than a minute to deploy the complex and perform a fire mission, after which the vehicle leaves the firing position and camouflages itself so as not to come under return fire from the Ukrainian Armed Forces or an attack by enemy drones.
Ukrainian Forces Destroy Russian Military Positions Using FPV Drones
“To ensure security and prevent enemy sabotage actions, the combat work of the Solntsepek crews is covered by security groups.”
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 15th March 2024, Russia had lost approximately 428,420 personnel, 6,758 tanks, 12,949 armoured combat vehicles, 10,580 artillery units, 1,017 multiple launch rocket systems, 717 air defence systems, 347 warplanes, 325 helicopters, 8,254 drones, 1,920 cruise missiles, 26 warships, 1 submarine, 13,993 motor vehicles and fuel tankers, and 1,711 units of special equipment.
Pro-Ukrainian battalions with Russian recruits have entered southern Russia, aiming to cause disruption ahead of the Russian presidential elections.
The groups, including exiled Russian fighters allied with Ukraine, crossed into the Kursk and Belgorod regions. Russia’s national guard is attempting to counter their attacks.
Russian interference with the satellite signal on a UK aircraft carrying Defence Minister Grant Shapps occurred near Kaliningrad, causing GPS disruption for about 30 minutes, it has been reported. No harm to Shapps or the aircraft was reported.
Overnight to Friday, both Russia and Ukraine have engaged in drone and rocket warfare as polling stations opened for Russia’s presidential election.
Ukrainian Artillery Destroys Russian Military Positions Near Bakhmut
Ukraine reports downing 27 Iranian-style drones and intercepting eight missiles launched by Russia.
Russia claims to have intercepted five Ukrainian drones and two rockets. Missile strikes from Ukraine resulted in two deaths and 12 injuries in the Belgorod region.
Russia’s Ministry of Defence has claimed to have killed 195 Ukrainian soldiers and destroyed several military vehicles, following a prior assertion of 234 casualties. These claims lack independent verification.
The Kremlin stated that Russian President Vladimir Putin’s remarks on nuclear weapons, reported by Russian state media, were not a threat, but the US deemed them “reckless and irresponsible,” accusing Russia of escalating tensions by suggesting readiness for nuclear war if US troops enter Ukraine.
NATO’s Secretary General has urged allies to swiftly increase the supply of ammunition and weapons to Ukraine.
Jens Stoltenberg said that Ukrainians have not lost courage but are facing a shortage of ammunition. He also stated that holding Russian elections in occupied Ukrainian regions would be illegal.
