These images purport to show Russian soldiers practising to use multiple launch rocket systems in Belarus.
The footage shows the Russian soldiers operating what appears to be a BM-21 Grad multiple launch rocket system (MLRS).
The vehicle can then be seen alongside another BM-21 Grad firing salvos of missiles at practice targets.
The images were obtained from the Russian Ministry of Defence (MoD) on Wednesday, 23rd November, along with a statement claiming: “Calculations of the MLRS of the Western Military District tirelessly train at the training grounds of Belarus.
“The Grad multiple launch rocket system is a powerful weapon with an area of destruction, which is measured in hectares. It is capable of suppressing almost any target. The duration of a full salvo of 40 shells is only 20 seconds. This is enough to destroy an entire enemy unit.
“The fighters receive target designations, aim and press the start button. The cockpit shudders with a deafening roar. The sky is lit up with flames.
“Our guys continue to master artillery fire algorithms. Classes at the training grounds of Belarus are held daily. Both fighters and commanders are satisfied with the results. Now the gunners are faced with a new task – to do everything just as technically, but twice as fast.”
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 273rd day of the war.
The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine reported that between 24th February and 23rd November, Russia had lost about 85,410 personnel, 2,897 tanks, 5,832 armoured combat vehicles, 1,887 artillery units, 395 multiple launch rocket systems, 209 air defence systems, 278 warplanes, 261 helicopters, 1,537 drones, 480 cruise missiles, 16 warships, 4,396 motor vehicles and fuel tankers, and 161 units of special equipment.
Russia has claimed that its casualties have been much lower but provides infrequent updates on its latest figures.
The G7 countries are set to announce a price cap on Russian oil. The G7, along with the United States and the European Union, as well as Australia, intend to implement a price cap on maritime oil exports from Russia on 5th December.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has said that Ukrainians who need basic services if Russia knocks out the electricity and other facilities over the winter can go to special “invincibility centres”.
Zelensky said that thousands of these centres across the country will offer electricity, water, heating, Internet services, and pharmacies, free of charge and around the clock.
President Zelensky said: “If massive Russian strikes happen again and it’s clear power will not be restored for hours, the ‘invincibility centres’ will go into action with all key services.”
Sergey Kovalenko, the head of YASNO, a major private energy provider for the Ukrainian capital Kyiv, has said that blackouts in the country are likely to carry on until at least the end of March.
The Russian energy giant Gazprom has reportedly threatened to shut down gas flows to Europe via Ukraine as of next week.
The Russian governor of Crimea has said that two Ukrainian drone attacks were repelled on Tuesday thanks to air defence systems.
