These images purport to show Russian mortar troops taking out Ukrainian soldiers and dugouts.
The footage shows the Russian soldiers operating mortars, with the images then cutting to a number of explosions, reportedly the Ukrainian positions being hit.
The images were obtained from the Russian Ministry of Defence (MoD) on Friday, 26th January, along with a statement claiming (in English): “Nona-M1 mortar crew of Zapad Group of Forces wipes out concealed AFU dugouts, automatic grenade launchers, and manpower
The Russian MoD also said it took place in the Kupiansk direction and added: “Within a few minutes, the 120-mm Nona-M1 mortar crews delivered several precise strikes at AFU dugouts, one automatic grenade launcher, and manpower. Unmanned aerial vehicle teams performed real-time adjustment, controlled target engagement, and reported the results of the strikes to the command post.”
We have not been able to independently verify the claims or the footage.
Russian Soldiers Destroy Ukrainian Observation Post Using ‘Podnos’ Mortar
Russia invaded Ukraine on 24th February 2022 in what the Kremlin is still calling a “special military operation.” Today marks the 702nd day of the full-scale war.
The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine reported that between 24th February 2022 and 26th January 2024. Russia had lost approximately 380,600 personnel, 6,265 tanks, 11,637 armoured combat vehicles, 9,082 artillery units, 972 multiple launch rocket systems. 660 air defence systems, 331 warplanes, 324 helicopters, 7,033 drones, 1,845 cruise missiles, 23 warships, 1 submarine, 12,064 motor vehicles and fuel tankers, and 1,425 units of special equipment.
Ukraine has disputed the passenger list provided by the Russian authorities of Ukrainian prisoners of war who are said to have died when the Il-76 Russian major aircraft reportedly transporting them for a prisoner swap crashed.
While Ukrainian officials have not expressly denied shooting down the aircraft, they could not confirm that POWs were on board the aircraft.
Ukraine’s human rights commissioner, Dmytro Lubinets, said that a passenger list which has been shared in Russian media. Supposedly detailing the names of the Ukrainian prisoners of war had discrepancies in it.
He said: “We found Ukrainian citizens in the list who have already been previously exchanged.”
Ukrainian Special Forces Destroy Russian Military Positions With Mortar Fire
Andrey Kartapolov, the head of Russia’s Duma defence committee, said on Thursday: “The Ukrainian side was officially warned, and 15 minutes before the plane entered the zone they were given complete information.”
But Ukrainian officials have denied that they were informed.
Ukraine’s military intelligence spokesperson, Andriy Yusov, has insisted that they had not received a request from Russia to secure airspace near Belgorod.
He also said that two other Russian military aircraft were also in the area at the time.
Darya Trepova, 26, has been jailed for 27 years under Russia’s terrorism laws. For delivering a bomb that detonated in the hands of a pro-war military blogger last year and killing him.
Lithuania’s Foreign Minister, Gabrielius Landsbergis, has visited Kyiv. While Russian President Vladimir Putin visits Kaliningrad, the Russian enclave that borders Lithuania.
Sweden’s Prime Minister, Ulf Kristersson, has suggested to Hungary’s Viktor Orban that they meet in Brussels to discuss Budapest ratifying the Nordic country’s bid to join the NATO military alliance.
The move comes after Turkey’s parliament approved the Sweden’s NATO accession bid.
