Russia has said that it has fired on Ukrainian military positions using an ‘Uragan’ multiple rocket launcher system.
The footage shows the Russian war machine, sporting a large white ‘V’ symbol, manoeuvring into position in a field.
The ‘V’ is one of the symbols, as well as the letters ‘Z’ and ‘O’ that can be seen painted on Russian military vehicles taking part in the invasion of Ukraine.
Russian soldiers can then be seen making it ready to fire before the images show it is launching a salvo of missiles into the sky. Two of the machines can then be seen side by side firing missiles.
The images were obtained from the Russian Ministry of Defence (MoD) on Monday, 7th November, along with a statement claiming: “The crews of the MLRS ‘Uragan’ of the Air Defence Forces continue to inflict crushing and accurate strikes on the positions of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
“In the Yuzhno-Donetsk direction of the special military operation, the crews of the 220-mm multiple launch rocket systems (MLRS) ‘Uragan’ of the Eastern Military District (VVO) continue to inflict crushing and accurate strikes on enemy positions.
“After completing each fire mission, the servicemen promptly roll up military equipment and move to the area where the transport-loading vehicle is waiting for them.
“Loading the massive missiles is carried out using a beam crane. On average, each rocket takes no more than a minute to load. But gunners say that even their own records have repeatedly been broken here for a long time.”
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 257th day of the war.
The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine reported that between 24th February and 7th November, Russia had lost about 76,460 personnel, 2,771 tanks, 5,630 armoured combat vehicles, 1,782 artillery units, 391 multiple launch rocket systems, 202 air defence systems, 277 warplanes, 260 helicopters, 1,472 drones, 399 cruise missiles, 16 warships, 4,199 motor vehicles and fuel tankers, and 157 units of special equipment.
Russia has claimed that its casualties have been much lower but provides infrequent updates on its latest figures.
Ukraine is preparing for further electricity blackouts and new Russian attacks on its energy infrastructure, with President Volodymyr Zelensky saying that Russia “is concentrating forces and means for a possible repetition of massive attacks on our infrastructure, primarily energy.”
About 500 power generators are reportedly being sent to Ukraine by 17 European Union countries.
Vitali Klitschko, the Mayor of Kyiv, has said that residents should prepare for a worst-case scenario and make plans to evacuate the city.
Klitschko said: “If you have extended family or friends outside Kyiv, where there is autonomous water supply, an oven, heating, please keep in mind the possibility of staying there for a certain amount of time.”
Moscow has accused Ukraine of “sabotage” after the city of Kherson was reportedly cut off from electricity and water on Sunday following an airstrike on the Kakhovka dam.
American officials have reportedly told the Ukrainian government that it needs to signal an openness to negotiate with Moscow, with US officials in Washington warning that “Ukraine fatigue” could get worse should Kyiv continue to remain closed to negotiations and with Ukraine’s allies worrying about the economic fallout from a lengthy conflict.
There has reportedly been fierce fighting in the Donetsk region in eastern Ukraine, with President Zelensky saying that Russia is driving inexperienced soldiers “to their deaths”.
He said that “very fierce Russian attacks in the Donetsk region continue”, adding: “The enemy suffers serious losses there, but despite everything, despite any losses, he [Russian President Vladimir Putin] continues to drive his mobilised soldiers and mercenaries to their deaths.”
