These images show a Ukrainian drone dropping one of its bombs on Russian soldiers who were attempting to advance at night.
The footage, shot from the drone, shows a group of at least five Russian soldiers apparently blowing their cover by manoeuvring onto a road and causing them to stand out, with the drone dropping one of its bombs on them.
One of the Russian soldiers can then be seen lying on the road injured.
The images were obtained from the 103rd Separate Territorial Defence Brigade of the Armed Forces of Ukraine on Wednesday, 5th April, along with a statement saying: “The night hunt was successful!
“The occupiers decided to take advantage of the dark time of day and carry out a march across Ukrainian land.
“UAV operators of the 103rd Territorial Defence Brigade tracked down the enemy and significantly accelerated the pace of movement with an accurate drop from the drone.
“One of the occupiers remained lying on the road, while the other, in the best traditions of the Russian occupying forces, quickly kicked his heels.
“And others will have something to do for a long time, transporting the ‘300’ and treating fear. The occupiers cannot hide from their well-deserved punishment either day or night. We see you wherever you hide!”
‘Cargo 300’ is a military code word used in the Soviet Union and post-Soviet countries that refers to the transportation of injured military personnel, while ‘cargo 200’ refers to fatalities.
The images and statement were also relayed by the Office of Strategic Communications (StratCom) of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
Russia invaded Ukraine on 24th February 2022 in what the Kremlin is still calling a “special military operation”. Today marks the 407th day of the full-scale war.
The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine reported that between 24th February 2022 and 6th April 2023, Russia had lost about 176,630 personnel, 3,631 tanks, 7,013 armoured combat vehicles, 2,714 artillery units, 532 multiple launch rocket systems, 281 air defence systems, 306 warplanes, 292 helicopters, 2,287 drones, 911 cruise missiles, 18 warships, 5,574 motor vehicles and fuel tankers, and 302 units of special equipment.
Russia has claimed that its casualties have been much lower but provides infrequent updates on its latest figures.
Poland’s President Andrzej Duda has released a joint statement with Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky saying that Poland will send 14 MiG-29 fighter jets to Ukraine.
Zelensky thanked his Polish counterpart for standing “shoulder to shoulder” with Ukraine and for providing displaced Ukrainians with shelter.
Poland has largely led the way to mobilise Western political and military support for Ukraine since the beginning of the Russian invasion.
Speaking in the Chinese capital Beijing, France’s President Emmanuel Macron cautioned that any country that helps “aggressor” Russia with its war in Ukraine would be considered an “accomplice”.
He also said that China has “a major role” to play in finding a path to peace in Ukraine. Macron said: “China, with its close relationship with Russia, which has been reaffirmed in recent days, can play a major role.”
Representatives of the United Kingdom, the United States, Albania and Malta walked out on Russia’s envoy for children’s rights, Russian Commissioner Maria Lvova-Belova, who is wanted by the International Criminal Court on charges of war crimes, while she addressed the United Nations Security Council via video link.
The UK and the US had previously blocked the informal meeting on Ukraine, which had been convened by Russia, from being webcast by the UN.
NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg has said that Russian President Vladimir Putin’s announcement that Russia will place tactical nuclear weapons in Belarus shows that a joint statement issued by Russia and China is nothing more than “empty promises”.
Stoltenberg also said that Russia is becoming increasingly dependent on China, warning that if China were to supply legal aid to Russia to assist it in its war in Ukraine, this would be a “historic mistake with profound implications”.
Spain’s Defence Minister Margarita Robles has said that the six Leopard 2A4 main battle tanks that her country has promised Ukraine will leave Spain in the second half of April.
