These images show Ukrainian forces destroying a Russian self-propelled gun near Bakhmut after hunting it down for days.
The footage shows the Russian self-propelled gun, reportedly a 2S9 ‘Nona’, nestled between some civilian buildings in a rural area near Bakhmut.
It can be seen being hit by Ukrainian ordnance and exploding, with its destroyed remains then seen burning profusely, with smoke rising into the air.
The images were obtained from the Combined Tactical Group ‘Adam’ of the Armed Forces of Ukraine on Wednesday, 5th April, along with a statement saying: “Our positions will no longer be shelled from this ‘saushka’ [ed.: a self-propelled artillery unit, or informally a ‘SAUshka’] either.
“We chased after her for several days and here is the result – Nona has left the chat.
“Joint work with the 128th Territorial Defence Battalion of the Dnipro district of Kyiv.
“Friends, we continue to build on Poseidon to destroy more Ork vehicles deeper in the rear. Thanks to you, we already have more than half of the amount!”
Ukrainian troops often refer to the invading Russian forces as “orcs”.
The images were also relayed by the Office of Strategic Communications (StratCom) of the Armed Forces of Ukraine on Thursday, 6th April, along with a statement saying: “This self-propelled gun will no longer fire on the positions of the Ukrainian defenders.
“Fighters of the joint tactical group ‘Adam’ in cooperation with the 128th Territorial Defence Battalion of the Dnipro district of Kyiv chased after her for several days and this is the result – ‘Nona’ was taken out of service.”
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.
