Russia Uses Multiple Rocket Launcher System To Fire On Ukrainian Targets

These images purport to show a Russian multiple rocket launcher system firing at Ukrainian targets.

The footage reportedly shows a Russian TOS-1A ‘Solntsepek’ Heavy Flamethrower System, which is a multiple rocket launcher capable of using thermobaric warheads, being loaded with ordnance before it can be seen manoeuvring into position.

A soldier can then be seen setting up some targeting kit before the war machine can be seen firing its ordnance at unseen targets.

The images then cut to multiple large explosions among a treeline, presumably on the Ukrainian frontline.

The images were obtained from the Russian Ministry of Defence (MoD) on Tuesday, 25th October, along with a statement claiming that the images show “the combat work of the crew of the heavy flamethrower system TOS-1A ‘Solntsepyok’ of the RCB protection unit of the Airborne Forces on the positions of the Armed Forces of Ukraine during the special military operation.

“A volley of unguided 220-mm projectiles is guaranteed to destroy manpower, lightly armoured vehicles, weapons and command posts of the enemy, thereby creating favourable conditions for the work of assault groups.

“Having struck, the self-propelled unit quickly changes position and reloads from the transport-loading vehicle to perform new tasks.”

Picture shows Russian heavy flamethrower system TOS-1A “Solntsepek” before start of the combat mission in Ukraine in undated footage. TOS-1 is a Soviet 220 mm 30-barrel or 24-barrel multiple rocket launcher capable of using thermobaric warheads, mounted on a T-72 tank chassis. (Ministry of Defense of Russia/Newsflash)

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 244th day of the war.

The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine reported that between 24th February and 25th October, Russia had lost about 68,420 personnel, 2,611 tanks, 5,321 armoured combat vehicles, 1,674 artillery units, 377 multiple launch rocket systems, 190 air defence systems, 271 warplanes, 248 helicopters, 1,372 drones, 350 cruise missiles, 16 warships, 4,054 motor vehicles and fuel tankers, and 149 units of special equipment.

Russia has claimed that its casualties have been much lower but provides infrequent updates on its latest figures.

Russian heavy flamethrower system TOS-1A “Solntsepek” fires rokets on the positions of the Ukrainian Armed Forces in Ukraine in undated footage. TOS-1 is a Soviet 220 mm 30-barrel or 24-barrel multiple rocket launcher capable of using thermobaric warheads, mounted on a T-72 tank chassis. (Ministry of Defense of Russia/Newsflash)

Sergei Shoigu, the Russian Defence Minister, has reportedly told some of his Western counterparts that the war is heading towards “uncontrolled escalation”, with Moscow reportedly assessing how it will react if it is defeated in the southern Ukrainian city of Kherson.

Kyrylo Budanov, the Chief of the Main Intelligence Directorate of the Ukrainian Ministry of Defence, has said that Russia is sending new military units into Kherson in preparation for the advancing Ukrainian counteroffensive.

Budanov also said that Russia would only slow down the advance of Ukraine’s troops in the south of the country by approximately two weeks were it to blow up the nearby Kakhovka dam.

The United Nations’ (UN) nuclear watchdog, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), is sending inspectors to Ukraine after the country requested that an expert mission be sent to disapprove Russia’s claims that Ukraine is planning to use a “dirty bomb”.

Russian heavy flamethrower system TOS-1A “Solntsepek” fires rokets on the positions of the Ukrainian Armed Forces in Ukraine in undated footage. TOS-1 is a Soviet 220 mm 30-barrel or 24-barrel multiple rocket launcher capable of using thermobaric warheads, mounted on a T-72 tank chassis. (Ministry of Defense of Russia/Newsflash)

The UN has said that urgent steps need to be taken to deal with a backlog of over 150 ships involved in the Ukrainian grain export deal in the Black Sea. Ukraine has said that Russian inspections are creating “significant” delays and are “politically motivated”.

Ukraine’s President, Volodymyr Zelensky, has asked Israel to support its fight against Russia by providing Israeli air defence systems. Israel has condemned Russia’s invasion of Ukraine but has so far only assisted Ukraine by giving humanitarian aid and defensive equipment.

Anton Krasovsky, a pro-Putin television presenter, has been accused of inciting genocide after saying that Ukrainian children should be “drowned” and “burned” alive during an interview on the state-funded channel RT.

Krasovsky was suspended pending an investigation after his comments caused a significant backlash. The head of Russia’s investigative committee has said that it will review his comments as part of a possible criminal investigation.