Russia has said that its Su-25 fighter jets have fired missiles at Ukrainian positions in Donetsk, as these images purport to show.
The footage shows a Russian fighter jet being loaded with ordnance and taking to the skies before it can be seen flying low over countryside and opening fire on unseen targets.
The video then appears to show it returning to base as the footage ends.
The images were obtained from the Russian Ministry of Defence (MoD) on Thursday, 1st February, along with a statement claiming: “Su-25 attack aircraft of the Russian Aerospace Forces attacked units of the Armed Forces of Ukraine in the Donetsk direction.”
The Russian MoD added: “Attack aircraft crews on Su-25 aircraft carried out a strike with unguided aircraft missiles on enemy strongholds and manpower in the Donetsk direction in the zone of a special military operation.
Russia Says Its Su-25 Attack Aircraft Hit Ukrainian Positions In Donetsk
“After using aircraft weapons, the crews performed an anti-missile manoeuvre, released heat traps and returned to the departure airfield.
“According to the reports of the forward aircraft gunner, all of these targets were successfully hit. The flight went as usual.”
The Su-25 pilot, call sign ‘Traktor’, is quoted as saying: “We received the task of defeating enemy personnel. We carried out takeoff, access to the target area, launch of the unmanned aerial vehicle from a nose-up position, anti-missile manoeuvring and landing at the departure airfield. According to the report of the forward air gunner from the ground, all targets were hit.”
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 1st February 2024. Russia had lost approximately 386,230 personnel, 6,322 tanks, 11,773 armoured combat vehicles, 9,228 artillery units, 976 multiple launch rocket systems. 663 air defence systems, 332 warplanes, 324 helicopters, 7,136 drones, 1,847 cruise missiles, 23 warships, 1 submarine, 12,267 motor vehicles and fuel tankers, and 1,462 units of special equipment.
Russia Says It Destroyed Ukrainian Military Positions In Donetsk With Su-25 Fighter Jets
Ukraine has launched significant missile strikes on military sites in Crimea, notably the Balbek airfield, which is used by Russian forces.
Reports suggest that Russian aircraft and personnel were taken out.
Ukrainian military sources have said that Scalp and Storm Shadow missiles were used during the attacks on Wednesday.
The Commander of the Ukrainian Air Force, General Mykola Oleshchuk, has confirmed the Balbek attack, sharing a video online and saying his forces were “cleansing Crimea of the Russian presence.”
Shortly before the attack, a Russian military radar was targeted, likely in preparation for the subsequent strikes on Crimea.
Republican speaker of the US House of Representatives Mike Johnson has claimed to visiting speakers from Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia that the Ukraine aid bill will be split from a USD 110 billion “national security” package which is also geared towards covering US-Mexico border security.
But US President Joe Biden is using his presidential powers to work around the Republican blockade.
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has told the Greek government that the United States will transfer surplus equipment to Athens including C-130 planes. Bradley armoured fighting vehicles, as well as ships and trucks, among other equipment.
And Greece will then reportedly transfer equivalent equipment to Kyiv.
