Russia has said that its Ka-52 and Mi-24 attack helicopters have launched missile attacks on Ukrainian positions.

The footage reportedly shows one of the helicopters being loaded with ordnance on a Russian base at an undisclosed location before it can be seen spinning up its rotors and taking to the sky.

The footage then shows at least two helicopters flying low over countryside before unleashing their deadly ordnance on unseen targets.

At least one of the choppers, with a now infamous white ‘Z’ symbol on its side, can be seen coming in to land as the footage ends.

The ‘Z’ is one of the symbols, as well as the letters ‘V’ and ‘O’ that can be seen painted on Russian military vehicles taking part in the invasion of Ukraine.

The images were obtained from the Russian Ministry of Defence (MoD) on Tuesday, 6th December, along with a statement claiming: “The crews of two types of helicopters – reconnaissance and attack helicopters Ka-52 and Mi-24, operating in the interests of the Central Military District (TsVO) in the zone of the special military operation – launched a missile attack on the enemy’s manpower and equipment concentration area, destroying the command post of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

“The line of fire is located near the line of contact, so the crews approach the area of ​​combat use at low altitudes, using the terrain as natural shelters.

“Air missiles are launched by army aviation crews from a pitch-up, which makes it possible to hit enemy command posts from a maximum range.

“The constant readiness for departure and the successful performance of combat missions on the ground is ensured by the engineering staff, which, immediately after landing, serves and prepares the helicopters for a second flight.

“The command of the Central Military District notes the high efficiency of the army aviation crews, who successfully completed hundreds of combat missions in the course of a special military operation.”

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 286th day of the war.

The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine reported that between 24th February and 6th December, Russia had lost about 92,200 personnel, 2,929 tanks, 5,905 armoured combat vehicles, 1,915 artillery units, 395 multiple launch rocket systems, 211 air defence systems, 281 warplanes, 264 helicopters, 1,587 drones, 592 cruise missiles, 16 warships, 4,505 motor vehicles and fuel tankers, and 163 units of special equipment.

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

Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky has said that his country is switching to emergency shutdowns to stabilise the electricity grid after Russia launched a fresh wave of missiles at civilian infrastructure on Monday.

The Ukrainian General Staff has said that over 60 Russian missiles were shot down.

President Zelensky said that many regions were affected, with the local authorities warning that approximately half of the Kyiv region would be without power over the next few days.

At least four people were killed in the Russian strikes on Monday.

The Russian Ministry of Defence has claimed that Ukrainian drones attacked two airbases in Ryazan and Saratov in south-central Russia.

They said that three servicemen had been killed and four more had been wounded, with two aircraft left damaged.

Ukraine has not yet claimed responsibility for the attacks, which would be its deepest yet inside Russia’s borders since the beginning of Vladimir Putin’s invasion of Ukraine in February.

The NGO Statewatch has said that Canadian-made parts have been found in Iranian-made Shahed 136 ‘kamikaze’ drones.

Statewatch also said that components from 30 American and European companies were also found to have been used in the drones.

Iran has been accused of supplying Russia with a large quantity of Shahed 136 drones.

Moscow has claimed that while the new Western-led price cap on Russian oil will destabilise the world’s energy markets, it would not affect its invasion of Ukraine.

Spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said Russia was preparing a response to the move by the G7 and allies.

John Kirby, the White House national security spokesperson, said that the oil price cap would not have any long-term impact on global oil prices.