These images show a Russian soldier’s failed attempt to defend himself with a shovel against the deadly strike of a Ukrainian kamikaze drone after he was discovered hiding in a trench.
The footage shows the Ukrainian attack drone honing in on the Russian soldier in the trench.
Desperate to save himself, he attempted throwing a shovel at the flying UAV to knock it down but was unsuccessful.
Moments later, he was taken out in an explosion.
The images were obtained by Newsflash from the Ground forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine on Friday, 12th January, along with a statement saying: “Ukrainian drone vs Sapper shovel: 1-0.”
Russia invaded Ukraine on 24th February 2022 in what the Kremlin is still calling a “special military operation.” Today marks the 688th day of the full-scale war.
Ukrainian Drones Drop Bombs On Russian Soldiers In Trenches
The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine reported that between 24th February 2022 and 12th January 2024. Russia had lost approximately 368,460 personnel, 6,060 tanks, 11,254 armoured combat vehicles, 8,710 artillery units, 957 multiple launch rocket systems. 642 air defence systems, 329 warplanes, 324 helicopters, 6,836 drones, 1,806 cruise missiles, 23 warships, 1 submarine, 11,612 motor vehicles and fuel tankers, and 1,339 units of special equipment.
The US imposed sanctions targeting Russian entities and one individual aiding the transfer of North Korea’s ballistic missiles for potential use against Ukraine.
Secretary of State Antony Blinken expressed concern, linking it to Russia’s aggression, worsening Ukrainian suffering, and undermining global nonproliferation efforts.
Russian presidential candidate Boris Nadezhdin, a critic of the Ukraine war. Met with soldiers’ wives seeking frontline discharge. Nadezhdin, aiming to challenge Putin in the March vote, is seeking to gather signatures for his presidential bid.
The 60-year-old presidential hopeful labelled Putin’s war as a “big mistake” during the meeting with soldiers’ wives, emphasising the grave consequences.
Despite Putin’s expected re-election certainty, Nadezhdin advocates for soldiers’ return.
Ukrainian Drones Drop Bombs On Russian Soldiers In Trenches
EU’s industrial chief, Thierry Breton, aims for a EUR 3 billion scheme to boost defence equipment production, citing concerns about Russia.
Emphasising preparation for all eventualities, he said he plans to enhance production in Europe. Starting with ammunition and expanding to various equipment. A public announcement is expected by the end of February.
Breton suggests a EUR 100 billion European defence fund, a decision for the next European commission, set to be appointed later this year.
Ukrainian President Zelenskiy expressed gratitude for the delivered Patriot air defence systems during his Baltic tour but requested additional shipments. Highlighting their crucial role in surviving attacks.
Zelenskiy questioned the ability to live peacefully without an adequate number of these systems during a press conference in Riga, Latvia.
Latvian President Edgars Rinkevics announced a new aid package, confirming the delivery of artillery shells, anti-aircraft weapons, grenades, and drones to Ukraine this year.
Ukrainian Stormtroopers Take Russian Military Positions In Trenches
Ukraine’s parliament rejected a bill proposing increased soldier drafting, citing concerns about violations of human rights.
Ruling party leader David Arakhamia stated the decision follows a closed-door meeting with Ukraine’s military leaders.
Governor Vyacheslav Gladkov stated that Russia’s Belgorod region, bordering Ukraine. Is facing challenges due to recent shelling.
The Kremlin accused the US of pressuring European countries to support seizing frozen Russian assets abroad for financing Ukraine’s rebuilding, a concept gaining momentum.
Ukraine’s National Union of Journalists condemned Russian missile strikes on a Kharkiv hotel as an attempt to intimidate media workers and restrict war coverage.
Thirteen people, including foreign journalists, were injured in the attack.
