These images show how Ukrainian paratroopers crushed a Russian attack and destroyed two of their tanks and two armoured vehicles as well as dozens of Russian soldiers in an epic battle.
The video shows the Russian military vehicles being hit with Ukrainian ordnance, with the footage also showing drone bombs being dropped on Russian positions.
A number of Russian soldiers can be seen lying lifeless on the battlefield with others attempting to flee.
The images were obtained from the 79th Separate Amphibious Assault Brigade of Mykolaiv of the Armed Forces of Ukraine on Friday, 31st March, along with a statement saying: “Paratroopers of the 79th repulsed the enemy assault, destroying two tanks, two BMPs and several dozen enemy fighters.
“Paratroopers of the 79th Separate Airborne Assault Brigade continue to hold back the enemy attack in a designated area in Donbas.
“The other day, maroon berets from Mykolaiv repelled a heavy assault on their positions by the enemy. In the offensive, the enemy used three tanks and four BMPs. It is worth noting that recently such massive use of tanks and armoured fighting vehicles in this area is rare.
“Air reconnaissance of the paratroopers noticed the advance of the enemy column in time and the brigade artillery began to fire at it.
“However, this did not stop the enemy and he continued to move towards the front edge of the 79 Separate Amphibious Assault Brigade.
“Moreover, a landing party was landed from armoured combat vehicles, which was supposed to attack the positions of the brigade in order to capture them.
“Then the fighters of these forward positions got involved, and with the fire of machine guns and grenade launchers, they met the equipment and enemy infantry. In addition, tanks began to destroy anti-tankers from anti-tank missile systems, and enemy infantry – UAV operators who dropped ammunition.
“The barrage of fire, which Mykolaiv paratroopers rained down on the enemy, quickly brought a positive result – the enemy suffered significant losses and was forced to retreat, using a smoke screen for this.
In total, two enemy tanks and two BMPs, as well as several dozen enemy fighters, were destroyed in the battle.
“The video shows how, with the help of a drone, Maroon Berets from Mykolaiv destroy the enemy’s infantry, which begins to withdraw under the cover of smoke. And also the destruction of an enemy tank by anti-tank gunners.
“Commenting on this battle, the commander of one of the units that took part in it noted that the enemy acted competently and skillfully.
“‘The enemy did everything to win, but we did more and the victory went to us’, noted the officer.
“Glory to Ukrainian Air Assault Forces! Glory to Ukraine!”
Russia invaded Ukraine on 24th February 2022 in what the Kremlin is still calling a “special military operation”. Today marks the 401st day of the full-scale war.
The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine reported that between 24th February 2022 and 31st March 2023, Russia had lost about 173,360 personnel, 3,615 tanks, 6,977 armoured combat vehicles, 2,675 artillery units, 526 multiple launch rocket systems, 278 air defence systems, 306 warplanes, 291 helicopters, 2,248 drones, 911 cruise missiles, 18 warships, 5,521 motor vehicles and fuel tankers, and 294 units of special equipment.
Russia has claimed that its casualties have been much lower but provides infrequent updates on its latest figures.
Turkey’s parliament approved a bill on Thursday that will allow Finland to join NATO. Turkey was the last of 30 members of the alliance to ratify Finland’s membership bid.
The Russian authorities have arrested an American journalist who was working in the country and accused him of spying.
Evan Gershkovich was working for the Wall Street Journal when he was detained on Wednesday in Yekaterinburg.
The United States has said that it is “deeply concerned” over the arrest and is “in direct touch” with the Russian government.
Russia’s Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov will reportedly chair a UN Security Council meeting in April when Russia takes over the body’s presidency.
Dmytro Kuleba, Ukraine’s Foreign Minister, said that Russia taking over the UN Security Council presidency was the “worst joke ever for April Fools’ Day”.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has reportedly signed a decree that will allow the government to call up 147,000 Russian citizens for compulsory military service.
The UK Ministry of Defence has said that the Russian authorities are preparing to launch a large recruitment campaign to sign up for 147,000 new troops to fight in Ukraine.
The UK MoD added that Russia is likely to try to coerce people to sign up, saying that “it is highly unlikely that the campaign will attract 400,000 genuine volunteers”.
Russian citizen Alexei Moskalyov, 54, who fled house arrest after being given jail time for discrediting Russia as a result of his 13-year-old daughter Maria drawing anti-war pictures, has been arrested in Belarus.
