These images show the smouldering remains of a Russian ‘Tyulpan’ self-propelled heavy mortar that was taken up by Ukrainian forces in Vuhledar.
The footage shows the wreckage of the Russian war machine burning profusely, with smoke gushing into the sky before there is a large explosion as either the fuel or the ammunition detonates.
The images were obtained from the 72nd Separate Mechanized Brigade named after the Black Zaporozhians of the Ukrainian Armed Forces on Thursday, 2nd March, along with a statement saying: “Yesterday’s work, for today’s mood. They wash themselves with their blood!”
They also said that the footage was filmed in Vuhledar and shows a Russian ‘Tyulpan’ self-propelled heavy mortar.
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 372nd day of the full-scale war.
The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine reported that between 24th February 2022 and 2nd March 2023, Russia had lost about 150,605 personnel, 3,397 tanks, 6,658 armoured combat vehicles, 2,398 artillery units, 480 multiple launch rocket systems, 247 air defence systems, 300 warplanes, 288 helicopters, 2,058 drones, 873 cruise missiles, 18 warships, 5,264 motor vehicles and fuel tankers, and 230 units of special equipment.
Russia has claimed that its casualties have been much lower but provides infrequent updates on its latest figures.
Ukrainian officials have said that Russia has lost at least 130 tanks and armoured personnel carriers over the last three weeks in the battle for the town of Vuhledar.
They said that there was an “epic” confrontation on a plain near the town, resulting in the biggest tank battle in the war so far.
Alexander Rodnyansky, an economic adviser to Ukraine’s President, has said that his country’s military forces may decide to withdraw from Bakhmut.
The head of Russia’s notorious Wagner mercenary organisation, Yevgeny Prigozhin, has said that Russia’s forces are being met with “furious resistance” from the Ukrainian side.
Prigozhin said that he had seen no sign of withdrawal so far.
The United States is reportedly consulting with its allies about potentially imposing new sanctions on Beijing if China decides to give Russia military support for its war in Ukraine.
The Russian Ministry of Defence has said that it has thwarted what it said was a major attack by Ukraine on Crimea involving drones. It said: “Six Ukrainian attack drones were shot down by air defence systems. Another four Ukrainian drones were disabled by electronic warfare.”
Russian President Vladimir Putin has said that he is making preparations to welcome China’s leader Xi Jinping to Moscow.
The Chinese leader and his Belarusian counterpart, Alexander Lukashenko, have issued a joint statement calling for a ceasefire in Ukraine and for negotiations to find a political settlement to the conflict.
The Finnish Parliament has overwhelmingly voted in favour of joining NATO, with 184 MPs voting in favour, seven voting against and one abstaining.
The German Chancellor, Olaf Scholz, has said that his country will increase ammunition production to support Ukraine and to shore up its own defences.
Scholz said: “The now one-year lasting support of Ukraine has also brought us the knowledge that enables us to ensure that there is also a sufficient supply, with spare parts, that we have created repair capacities for the weapons used in the war, at locations outside of Ukraine.”
He added: “We will ensure that the production of ammunition is advanced, both for the weapons that we have supplied ourselves and those that come from classic stocks that are available in eastern Europe.”
