These images purport to show a Ukrainian dugout being spotted and destroyed by forces belonging to the pro-Russian, so-called Donetsk People’s Republic.
The footage, apparently filmed from a drone, appears to show the dugout with at least two men seen exiting it. More can be seen inside.
The images then show what appears to be a Donetsk People’s Republic (DPR) portable missile system opening fire on the position and hitting it.
At least one soldier can be seen leaving the area as the dugout is hit again.
The images were obtained from the People’s Militia of the DPR on Tuesday, 4th October, along with a statement claiming: “Soldiers of the 3rd brigade destroyed an enemy stronghold with the help of anti-tank guided missiles.
“Thanks to the well-coordinated work of the UAV operator and the calculation of the ATGM, the target was hit. The enemy suffered losses in killed and wounded.”
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 223rd day of the war.
The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine reported that between 24th February and 4th October, Russia had lost about 60,800 personnel, 2,424 tanks, 5,018 armoured combat vehicles, 1,407 artillery units, 340 multiple launch rocket systems, 177 air defence systems, 266 warplanes, 228 helicopters, 1,028 drones, 246 cruise missiles, 15 warships, 3,823 motor vehicles and fuel tankers, and 131 units of special equipment.
Russia has claimed that its casualties have been much lower but provides infrequent updates on its latest figures.
Ukrainian forces have reportedly broken through Russian defences in southern Ukraine and advanced dozens of kilometres into the Kherson region.
The Russian military has acknowledged the Ukrainian advance, stating that Ukraine’s “superior tank units” had “penetrated the depths of our defence” around some villages in the region.
This means that Russia no longer has full control of any of the four Ukrainian provinces it is attempting to annex.
Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky has said that his country’s troops have “fully cleared” Russian forces from Lyman in eastern Ukraine, reportedly punching through Russia’s frontline and advancing rapidly along the Dnieper River.
The chief spokesperson for the Russian Ministry of Defence, Igor Konashenkov, said that Russian troops have now occupied a so-called “pre-prepared defensive line”, as Ukraine’s southern counteroffensive quickly gains momentum.
American billionaire Elon Musk has triggered an online row on Twitter with President Zelensky after launching a poll asking his 107.7 million followers for their opinions on how to end Russia’s war in Ukraine.
Musk suggested in his tweet that there should be elections supervised by the United Nations in the four occupied regions that the Kremlin is attempting to annex.
The move by the tech entrepreneur prompted swift condemnation from numerous parties, with President Zelensky offering his own poll: “Which Elon Musk do you like more?” He offered two possible choices: “one who supports Ukraine” and “one who supports Russia”.
Ukraine’s outgoing ambassador to Germany, Andrij Melnyk, did not mince his words, telling Musk in no uncertain terms that he could “f*** off”, an invitation which he described as a “very diplomatic reply”.
Russia has reportedly put former state TV journalist Marina Ovsyannikova, who made international headlines when she interrupted a news broadcast to protest against the Ukraine war, on a wanted list after she apparently escaped house arrest.
