Russian Says Most Powerful Non-Nuclear Multiple Rocket Launcher System Took Out Ukrainian Military Positions

These images purport to show a Russian multiple rocket launcher system – which Moscow said was one of its most powerful non-nuclear weapons – taking out Ukrainian military positions.

The footage begins by reportedly showing a Russian TOS-1 multiple rocket launcher system, which is capable of using thermobaric warheads – also known as vacuum bombs – manoeuvring into position.

It can then be seen launching its missiles into the sky. The images then cut to what the Russian Ministry of Defence said was a Ukrainian military position on the ground.

It can be seen being hit before the images cut back to the Russian war machine moving out to avoid return fire.

The images were obtained from the Russian Ministry of Defence (MoD) on Wednesday, 9th November, along with a statement claiming that they show: “Calculations of heavy flamethrower systems TOS-1A ‘Solntsepek’ of the troops of radiation, chemical and biological (RCB) protection of the Central Military District (CVO) in the course of the special military operation strike at the enemy hiding in deep shelters.

Russian TOS-1A Solntsepek fires at Ukrainian military positions 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 peculiarities of the use of flamethrowing systems make it possible to disregard the fortifications of the enemy fortified areas, since flammable shells are capable of penetrating and destroying the most protected objects of Ukrainian nationalists.

“TOS ‘Sun’ is considered one of the most powerful non-nuclear types of weapons. To ensure security and prevent sabotage by the enemy, the combat work of the flamethrower systems is covered by security groups that reconnoitre the areas of combat work in advance and accompany the Solntsepeki.

“After hitting targets, TOS crews use onboard thermal smoke equipment to covertly leave firing positions.

“Specialists of the RCB for the protection of the Brave group note the high firepower of the TOS-1A combat vehicle and its manoeuvrability; it has proven itself well during the special military operation.”

We have not been able to independently verify the claims or the footage.

Russian TOS-1A Solntsepek fires at Ukrainian military positions 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)

Russia invaded Ukraine on 24th February in what the Kremlin is still calling a “special military operation”. Today marks the 259th day of the war.

The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine reported that between 24th February and 9th November, Russia had lost about 77,950 personnel, 2,801 tanks, 5,666 armoured combat vehicles, 1,802 artillery units, 393 multiple launch rocket systems, 205 air defence systems, 278 warplanes, 260 helicopters, 1,483 drones, 399 cruise missiles, 16 warships, 4,227 motor vehicles and fuel tankers, and 159 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 said that his military forces will not yield “a single centimetre” of land as they battle with Russia over control of the Donetsk region of eastern Ukraine.

Zelensky added: “The activity of the occupiers remains at an extremely high level – dozens of attacks every day.”

He also said: “They are suffering extraordinarily high losses. But the order remains the same – to advance on the administrative boundary of Donetsk region. We will not yield a single centimetre of our land.”

Zelensky said that approximately four million people are currently without electricity across Ukraine as a result of systematic and targeted attacks by Russia on the country’s energy infrastructure.

The Ministry of Defence of the United Kingdom has said that Russia is preparing new fortified lines deep inside the territory in Ukraine that it currently controls “to forestall any rapid Ukrainian advances in the event of breakthroughs”.

The Russians are also reportedly installing large concrete barriers to stop tanks, notably near Mariupol, to protect the “land bridge” Moscow has established since the beginning of the invasion between occupied Crimea and Russia.

Russian TOS-1A Solntsepek fires at Ukrainian military positions 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)

Zelensky has called for the Black Sea grain export deal, which was brokered by the United Nations and Turkey, to be extended. The deal is currently set to expire on 19th November.

Zelensky addressed the COP27 climate summit in Egypt by video link and said that world leaders will be unable to tackle the climate crisis unless Russian President Vladimir Putin’s invasion of his country comes to an end.

Zelensky said: “There can be no effective climate policy without peace.”

josRussian TOS-1A Solntsepek hits Ukrainian military positions 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 President of Indonesia, Joko Widodo, has said that Putin will join the G20 summit next week “if the situation as possible”. He added that Putin might attend virtually instead.

Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said Putin would decide by the end of the week if he was going to attend the summit in person.

Zelensky is set to take part in the G20 meeting, most probably by video link, according to his spokesperson. It has previously been stated that Zelensky was not going to attend if Putin was present.