These images reportedly show Russian troops training combat using modernised T-80BVM main battle tanks in occupied Ukraine.
The footage reportedly shows the upgraded T80BV tank in action as it races around the training grounds and opens fire on mock targets.
The images also show the tank crew operating the war machine inside the tank.
The images were obtained from the Russian Ministry of Defence (MoD) on Thursday, 9th February, along with a statement claiming: “Servicemen of the motorised rifle unit of the Central Military District (CVO) at the training ground in the rear area of the special military operation are practising combat missions on modernised T-80BVM tanks.
“Gunners and tank commanders use modern, computerised fire control systems when firing at targets from 125-mm cannons and 7.62-mm anti-aircraft machine guns at a distance of up to four kilometres.
“New tanks make it possible to significantly expand the crew’s ability to control the combat situation through a variety of cameras, sensors, special software and an installed thermal imager.
“Drivers hone the control of a combat vehicle in off-road conditions and difficult terrain.”
We have not been able to independently verify the claims or the footage.
The T-80BVM main battle tank is an improved version of the T80BV tank. It was first revealed in 2017 and reportedly boasts improved armour, greater range and greater accuracy than its predecessor.
Its main drawbacks are said to be a high rate of fuel consumption and difficult maintenance. It is unclear how many of them Russia currently has in its arsenal.
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”.
