Russia has said that the Luhansk People’s Republic has fired rockets at Ukrainian military positions using multiple launch rocket systems.

The images purport to show a pro-Russian BM-21 ‘Grad’ loaded with missiles manoeuvring into position.

It can be seen sporting a red ‘Z’ symbol on its side.

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 footage then shows soldiers preparing the vehicle for launch before it unleashes a deadly volley of missiles on unseen targets.

The images then cut to what are said to be Ukrainian positions being hit.

The images were obtained from the Russian Ministry of Defence (MoD) on Tuesday, 29th November, along with a statement claiming: “Crews of self-propelled ‘Grad’ multiple launch rocket systems (MLRS) of the 2nd Army Corps of the People’s Militia of the Luhansk People’s Republic during a special military operation effectively hit command posts and fortifications, areas of concentration of forces, artillery batteries of the enemy.

“After each firing, the vehicles covertly change position, reload and strike again. Unmanned aerial vehicles are used for reconnaissance of targets and adjustment of fire.”

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 279th day of the war.

The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine reported that between 24th February and 29th November, Russia had lost about 88,380 personnel, 2,911 tanks, 5,866 armoured combat vehicles, 1,901 artillery units, 395 multiple launch rocket systems, 209 air defence systems, 280 warplanes, 261 helicopters, 1,555 drones, 531 cruise missiles, 16 warships, 4,423 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.

Intense fighting is taking place around the key town of Bakhmut in eastern Ukraine, with hundreds of dead and injured reported daily on both sides.

Ukraine’s military has said that Russia has continued to shell civilian infrastructure in the liberated city of Kherson.

The General Staff of the Ukrainian Armed Forces has said that the military inventories of the United States and its allies are shrinking as the West reportedly struggles to meet increased demand for further arms.

The United States is studying a proposal from Boeing to supply Ukraine with small, cheap precision bombs that can be fitted to readily available rockets.

It is thought that this would allow Kyiv to strike far behind Russia’s lines.

Ukraine’s Armed Forces have said that they have damaged a logistically significant railway bridge north of the southern Ukrainian city of Melitopol, which is currently occupied by Russian forces.

Russia has reacted angrily to comments from the Pope that some minority groups of soldiers have behaved worse than others in the invasion of Ukraine. Pope Francis said that the “cruellest” troops were generally Chechens and Buryats.

Russia called the remarks a “perversion”, and said national groups were “one family”.

A protester wearing a T-shirt saying “Save Ukraine” on the front invaded the pitch during the World Cup football match between Portugal and Uruguay. The protester was also carrying a rainbow flag and their T-shirt said ‘Respect for Iranian woman’ on the back.