This footage appears to show a Russian S-300V air defence missile system shooting an unseen target allegedly detected in the sky above the “special military operation zone” in Ukraine.
The S-300 is a series of Russian-made long-range surface-to-air missile systems designed to engage ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, and strategic and tactical aircraft.
The images were obtained by Newsflash from the Russian Ministry of Defence (MoD) on 26th December, along with a statement: “In the course of a special military operation, Russian crews of S-300V anti-aircraft missile systems protect the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation and the most important ground facilities from enemy air attack weapons.
“In the new position areas, the air defence units of the Western Military District are on combat duty around the clock.”
The Russian MoD also noted the advantages of the air defence system: “The S-300V air defence system is designed for highly effective defence of groupings of troops and the most important objects from massive strikes of modern and advanced aircraft, cruise missiles, tactical and operational-tactical ballistic missiles, as well as from other air attack weapons in the entire range of altitudes and speeds of their combat use in a complex interference environment.”
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 306th day of the invasion.
The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine reported that between 24th February and 26th December, Russia had lost about 102,600 personnel, 3,016 tanks, 6,017 armoured combat vehicles, 1,996 artillery units, 418 multiple launch rocket systems, 212 air defence systems, 283 warplanes, 267 helicopters, 1,707 drones, 653 cruise missiles, 16 warships, 4,647 motor vehicles and fuel tankers, and 178 units of special equipment.
Russia has claimed that its casualties have been much lower but provides infrequent updates on its latest figures.
Russian President Vladimir Putin claimed that Moscow is ready to negotiate an end to the war in Ukraine while accusing the West of trying to “tear apart historical Russia”.
But Ukrainian presidential aide Mykhailo Podolyak has dismissed Putin’s claims after Russia’s continuous bombardment of many Ukrainian towns, most notably in the Kharkiv and Zaporizhia regions.
At least 10 people were killed and dozens were injured after being struck in missile attacks in the Ukrainian-held areas of the Kherson region during the weekend.
The deadly shelling continued throughout Christmas Day.
It came while many Orthodox Ukrainians observed Christmas on 25th December, after allegedly being forced by the war to abandon their traditional celebration on 7th January.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy sent a holiday message about perseverance to Ukrainians who celebrated Christmas over the weekend.
“We endured at the beginning of the war – we withstood attacks, threats, nuclear blackmail, terror, missile strikes,” Zelenskyy said.
“Even in complete darkness, we will find each other to hug each other tightly. And if there is no heat, we will embrace each other for a long time to warm one another.
“We will smile and be happy, as always. There is one difference – we will not wait for a miracle, since we are creating it ourselves,” he added.
Pope Francis has appealed for an end to the “senseless” war in Ukraine in his traditional Christmas message.
Meanwhile, Belarusian officials announced that the Iskander tactical missile systems which Russia has provided are fully prepared to perform their tasks.
The 9K720 Iskander is a mobile short-range ballistic missile system that can carry up to two missiles and is capable of handling missions in any weather, day or night, produced and deployed by the Russian military.
The announcement comes amid Moscow’s increasing pressure on Minsk to aid its invasion of Ukraine.
Russian Deputy Prime Minister, Alexander Novak, said Moscow is ready to resume gas supplies to Europe through the Yamal-Europe pipeline.
It remains unclear whether European countries connected by the pipeline will agree to buy Russian gas again.
