These images show Ukrainian paratroopers destroying a Russian T-72B3 tank.
The footage shows the Russian tank burning profusely after it was hit by Ukrainian ordnance, with Russian soldiers also being targeted.
The images were obtained from the Command of the Airborne Assault Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine on Wednesday, 17th May, along with a statement saying: “Zhytomyr paratroopers destroyed a Russian T-72B3 tank and the manpower of the occupiers.
“See how the paratroopers of the 95th Separate Assault Brigade of the Armed Forces of Ukraine turned the Russian invaders into fertiliser and destroyed the T-72B3 tank.
“Everything burns just as well and flies to pieces. This will be the case with anyone who encroaches on our country and freedom!
“Together to victory! The Ukrainian Air Assault Forces – Always First! Glory to Ukraine!”
Russia invaded Ukraine on 24th February 2022 in what the Kremlin is still calling a “special military operation”. Today marks the 448th day of the full-scale war.
The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine reported that between 24th February 2022 and 17th May 2023, Russia had lost about 200,590 personnel, 3,771 tanks, 7,365 armoured combat vehicles, 3,166 artillery units, 562 multiple launch rocket systems, 318 air defence systems, 308 warplanes, 294 helicopters, 2,748 drones, 982 cruise missiles, 18 warships, 6,067 motor vehicles and fuel tankers, and 417 units of special equipment.
Russia has claimed that its casualties have been much lower but provides infrequent updates on its latest figures.
Ukraine has said that it successfully shot down all six of the Kinzhal hypersonic missiles that the Kremlin fired at Kyiv in an “exceptionally intense” night-time attack on the Ukrainian capital.
If confirmed, this would demonstrate that Ukraine’s newly acquired Western air defences are effective against the weapons, which Russia had said were all but unstoppable.
Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu reportedly dismissed the claim and said that one of the missiles had destroyed an American-built Patriot surface-to-air missile defence system, according to Russian state media.
The attack on Kyiv was reportedly the biggest since the beginning of the full-scale invasion of Ukraine by Russia and came as Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky concluded a three-day trip around Europe.
Zelensky met with leaders in London, Berlin, Paris and Rome, securing promises of further military assistance, including long-range drones from the United Kingdom.
The British government has announced Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte have agreed to create an “international coalition” to help supply Ukraine with F-16 fighter jets.
Ukraine’s Deputy Defence Minister Hanna Maliar has said that Ukrainian forces have retaken approximately 20 square kilometres territory from Russian forces near the embattled eastern Ukrainian city of Bakhmut.
