These images show Ukrainian Marines hitting Russian positions with a Rapira MT-12 anti-tank gun.
The footage shows the Ukrainian Marines opening fire on Russian positions with the artillery piece before reloading it and firing again.
The images were obtained from the 35th Separate Marine Infantry brigade named after Rear Admiral Mykhailo Ostrogradskyi of the Ukrainian Armed Forces on Thursday, 9th February, along with a statement saying: “A fragment of the work of the anti-tankers of the Odesa brigade of marines on enemy positions.
“With the help of the MT-12 ‘Rapira’ 100 mm cannon, the military makes the invaders nervous on the other side of the barricades.
“Just look at how the marines diligently and harmoniously work out the commander’s orders.”
Russia invaded Ukraine on 24th February 2022 in what the Kremlin is still calling a “special military operation”. Today marks the 351st day of the war.
The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine reported that between 24th February 2022 and 9th February 2023, Russia had lost about 135,010 personnel, 3,255 tanks, 6,468 armoured combat vehicles, 2,244 artillery units, 463 multiple launch rocket systems, 232 air defence systems, 295 warplanes, 285 helicopters, 1,967 drones, 796 cruise missiles, 18 warships, 5,121 motor vehicles and fuel tankers, and 211 units of special equipment.
Russia has claimed that its casualties have been much lower but provides infrequent updates on its latest figures.
Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky has urged Europe to provide his country with combat aircraft and long-range heavy weaponry as soon as possible during a visit to Paris.
Zelensky said as he arrived at the Elysee palace on Wednesday: “The sooner Ukraine gets long-range heavy weaponry, the sooner our pilots get planes, the sooner this Russian aggression will end and we can return to peace in Europe.”
Zelensky met with French President Emmanuel Macron and German chancellor Olaf Scholz, urging them to be “game changers” and send modern combat planes.
Zelensky said Macron’s stance had changed regarding Ukraine and the war. The French President had initially tried to keep communication channels open with Russia in the early phase of the conflict.
But Zelensky said: “I think he [Macron] has changed.”
He added: “And he’s changed for real this time. After all, he opened the door to tank deliveries. He also supported Ukraine’s candidacy for the EU. I believe it was a real signal.
“We had a lot of conversations with France, Germany and other countries. I believe that trust is real today.”
Zelensky’s visit to Paris comes after he made an emotional speech to the UK’s Parliament early on Wednesday, saying: “I appeal to you and the world with simple and yet most important words: combat aircraft – for Ukraine! Wings – for freedom!”
UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has said that “nothing was off the table”.
The UK has also pledged to train Ukrainian pilots on advanced NATO fighter jets, with Sunak saying that it will “ensure Ukraine can defend its skies well into the future”.
