This footage shows a Ukrainian tank repeatedly firing on and hitting Russian infantry who were spotted hiding among trees on the frontlines.
The images begin by showing the Ukrainian tank manoeuvring into position before it can be seen stopped by the edge of a field and opening fire.
Russian soldiers can then be seen apparently retreating to avoid being hit by the Ukrainian tank, which can be seen repeatedly firing its main gun at their position.
The footage ends by showing a Russian soldier, who appears to be injured, trying to crawl away in the forested area that was hit by the Ukrainian tank.
The images were obtained from the 30th Mechanized Brigade named after Prince Konstanty Ostrogski of the Ukrainian Armed Forces on Wednesday, 8th February, along with a statement saying: “‘Tank biathlon’ from the 30th Mechanized Brigade.
“The Russians like to show off their videos of ‘tank biathlon’ competitions, where they skillfully manoeuvre and shoot. But it’s one thing to exercise on the training ground, and it’s quite another to have a real battle…
“The Armed Forces have already disposed of the lion’s share of the tank elite of the occupiers. And our tankers, meanwhile, demonstrate again and again what a real ‘biathlon’ should be like.
“This bright video shows how, where steel guys from the 30th Mechanized Brigade destroy the enemy effectively.”
The images and statement were also relayed by 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 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”.
