Russia has said that it is combining Buk-M2 and Buk-M3 air defence systems in single crews, saying that each is specifically tailored for different tasks.

The images show one of the Russian war machines manoeuvring into position before it deploys its weapons and fires them at unseen targets.

The images were obtained from the Russian Ministry of Defence (MoD) on Monday, 7th November, along with a statement claiming: “As part of the special military operation, the crews of the Buk-M2 and Buk-M3 air defence systems of the Central Military District were combined into a single firing system.

“The crews of the Buk-M2 and Buk-M3 anti-aircraft missile systems (SAM) of the Central Military District continue to successfully carry out the tasks of the special military operation.

“The complexes are combined into a single fire system and operate depending on the type and location of the enemy’s aerodynamic means. Thus, the Buk-M2 launchers hit planes, helicopters and shells of HIMARS multiple launch rocket systems at distances of about 40 kilometres. The Buk-M3 air defence system ensures the detection and destruction of enemy air attack weapons at a distance from protected objects.

“The joint use of complexes operating at different distances makes it possible to create a layered air defence zone and to minimise the effectiveness of an enemy air strike.

“During combat duty, crews of the Buk-M2 and Buk-M3 air defence systems of the Central Military District detect, track and destroy hundreds of aircraft around the clock, providing reliable air cover for the positions of the Russian Federation’s Armed Forces, as well as the most important administrative and industrial facilities of new regions of Russia.”

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 257th day of the war.

The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine reported that between 24th February and 7th November, Russia had lost about 76,460 personnel, 2,771 tanks, 5,630 armoured combat vehicles, 1,782 artillery units, 391 multiple launch rocket systems, 202 air defence systems, 277 warplanes, 260 helicopters, 1,472 drones, 399 cruise missiles, 16 warships, 4,199 motor vehicles and fuel tankers, and 157 units of special equipment.

Russia has claimed that its casualties have been much lower but provides infrequent updates on its latest figures.

Ukraine is preparing for further electricity blackouts and new Russian attacks on its energy infrastructure, with President Volodymyr Zelensky saying that Russia “is concentrating forces and means for a possible repetition of massive attacks on our infrastructure, primarily energy.”

About 500 power generators are reportedly being sent to Ukraine by 17 European Union countries.

Vitali Klitschko, the Mayor of Kyiv, has said that residents should prepare for a worst-case scenario and make plans to evacuate the city.

Klitschko said: “If you have extended family or friends outside Kyiv, where there is autonomous water supply, an oven, heating, please keep in mind the possibility of staying there for a certain amount of time.”

Moscow has accused Ukraine of “sabotage” after the city of Kherson was reportedly cut off from electricity and water on Sunday following an airstrike on the Kakhovka dam.

American officials have reportedly told the Ukrainian government that it needs to signal an openness to negotiate with Moscow, with US officials in Washington warning that “Ukraine fatigue” could get worse should Kyiv continue to remain closed to negotiations and with Ukraine’s allies worrying about the economic fallout from a lengthy conflict.

There has reportedly been fierce fighting in the Donetsk region in eastern Ukraine, with President Zelensky saying that Russia is driving inexperienced soldiers “to their deaths”.

He said that “very fierce Russian attacks in the Donetsk region continue”, adding: “The enemy suffers serious losses there, but despite everything, despite any losses, he [Russian President Vladimir Putin] continues to drive his mobilised soldiers and mercenaries to their deaths.”