Russia has said that its ‘Tornado-S’ multiple launch rocket systems have fired rockets at Ukrainian military targets, as these images purport to show.
The footage shows Russian soldiers manoeuvring one of the war machines into position in the dead of night before it can be seen deploying its weaponry and firing a volley into the sky.
The images were obtained from the Russian Ministry of Defence (MoD) on Thursday, 9th February, along with a statement claiming: “The Armed Forces of the Russian Federation, in the course of conducting the special military operation, continue to carry out missile strikes against military infrastructure and military equipment of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
“According to intelligence, units of the Armed Forces of Ukraine have concentrated military equipment, weapons and ammunition to supply their group of forces. The data of the scouts were confirmed by technical means of reconnaissance, after which the units of ‘Tornado-S’ multiple launch rocket systems (MLRS) struck at the military facilities of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
“The calculations have no doubts about the accuracy of their complexes – all the goals set are guaranteed to be destroyed.
“The Tornado-S MLRS crews disable and destroy command posts, warehouses with weapons, ammunition and fuel and lubricants, communication centres, air defence equipment and other important targets located at a great distance.
“The enemy’s fear of Tornado-S is quite understandable. For the most modern domestic systems of volley fire, the enemy is especially hunting.
“After launches, the MLRS fold into the stowed position in a minute and leave the dangerous area at maximum speed. Crews never work twice in the same position, never take vehicles to the same cover.”
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 351st day of the war.
The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine reported that between 24th February 2022 and 9th February 2023, Russia had lost about 135,010 personnel, 3,255 tanks, 6,468 armoured combat vehicles, 2,244 artillery units, 463 multiple launch rocket systems, 232 air defence systems, 295 warplanes, 285 helicopters, 1,967 drones, 796 cruise missiles, 18 warships, 5,121 motor vehicles and fuel tankers, and 211 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 urged Europe to provide his country with combat aircraft and long-range heavy weaponry as soon as possible during a visit to Paris.
Zelensky said as he arrived at the Elysee palace on Wednesday: “The sooner Ukraine gets long-range heavy weaponry, the sooner our pilots get planes, the sooner this Russian aggression will end and we can return to peace in Europe.”
Zelensky met with French President Emmanuel Macron and German chancellor Olaf Scholz, urging them to be “game changers” and send modern combat planes.
Zelensky said Macron’s stance had changed regarding Ukraine and the war. The French President had initially tried to keep communication channels open with Russia in the early phase of the conflict.
But Zelensky said: “I think he [Macron] has changed.”
He added: “And he’s changed for real this time. After all, he opened the door to tank deliveries. He also supported Ukraine’s candidacy for the EU. I believe it was a real signal.
“We had a lot of conversations with France, Germany and other countries. I believe that trust is real today.”
Zelensky’s visit to Paris comes after he made an emotional speech to the UK’s Parliament early on Wednesday, saying: “I appeal to you and the world with simple and yet most important words: combat aircraft – for Ukraine! Wings – for freedom!”
UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has said that “nothing was off the table”.
The UK has also pledged to train Ukrainian pilots on advanced NATO fighter jets, with Sunak saying that it will “ensure Ukraine can defend its skies well into the future”.
