Russia has said that it has used multiple launch rocket systems to fire thermobaric shells at Ukrainian forces.
Thermobaric weapons, also known as vacuum bombs, use oxygen from the surrounding air to create an explosion.
The footage purports to show a Russian TOS-1 ‘Solntsepek’ multiple launch rocket system (MLRS) manoeuvring into position and opening fire, firing a salvo of its deadly ordnance.
The images also appear to show a number of other TOS-1 ‘Solntsepek’ MLRS vehicles in action.
The images were obtained from the Russian Ministry of Defence (MoD), on Friday, 31st March, along with a statement claiming: “The calculation of the heavy flamethrower system TOS-1 ‘Solntsepek’ destroyed the formations of the Armed Forces of Ukraine in the zone of the special military operation.”
The Russian MoD added: “Calculations of heavy flamethrower systems TOS-1 ‘Solntsepek’ of the Airborne Forces perform tasks in the zone of the special military operation.
“Operating as part of a combat vehicle, radiation, chemical and biological protection specialists of the Airborne Forces inflict crushing blows with 220-mm thermobaric shells on the positions of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, burning out their shelters, observation posts, ammunition depots and artillery positions.
“Units of Ukrainian nationalists tried to hide in the ceilings of strongholds in the forest. However, a Russian reconnaissance drone, which noticed the movement of the enemy, promptly aimed the TOS-1 at the target. The personnel of the Armed Forces of Ukraine were hit by a precision strike.
“The paratroopers note the high efficiency of the use of heavy flamethrower systems.”
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 401st day of the full-scale war.
The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine reported that between 24th February 2022 and 31st March 2023, Russia had lost about 173,360 personnel, 3,615 tanks, 6,977 armoured combat vehicles, 2,675 artillery units, 526 multiple launch rocket systems, 278 air defence systems, 306 warplanes, 291 helicopters, 2,248 drones, 911 cruise missiles, 18 warships, 5,521 motor vehicles and fuel tankers, and 294 units of special equipment.
Russia has claimed that its casualties have been much lower but provides infrequent updates on its latest figures.
Turkey’s parliament approved a bill on Thursday that will allow Finland to join NATO. Turkey was the last of 30 members of the alliance to ratify Finland’s membership bid.
The Russian authorities have arrested an American journalist who was working in the country and accused him of spying.
Evan Gershkovich was working for the Wall Street Journal when he was detained on Wednesday in Yekaterinburg.
The United States has said that it is “deeply concerned” over the arrest and is “in direct touch” with the Russian government.
Russia’s Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov will reportedly chair a UN Security Council meeting in April when Russia takes over the body’s presidency.
Dmytro Kuleba, Ukraine’s Foreign Minister, said that Russia taking over the UN Security Council presidency was the “worst joke ever for April Fools’ Day”.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has reportedly signed a decree that will allow the government to call up 147,000 Russian citizens for compulsory military service.
The UK Ministry of Defence has said that the Russian authorities are preparing to launch a large recruitment campaign to sign up for 147,000 new troops to fight in Ukraine.
The UK MoD added that Russia is likely to try to coerce people to sign up, saying that “it is highly unlikely that the campaign will attract 400,000 genuine volunteers”.
Russian citizen Alexei Moskalyov, 54, who fled house arrest after being given jail time for discrediting Russia as a result of his 13-year-old daughter Maria drawing anti-war pictures, has been arrested in Belarus.
