Russia Says Its Su-25 Combat Planes Carried Out Airstrikes On Ukrainian Military Positions

Russia has said that it has carried out air strikes on Ukrainian military positions using Su-25- fighter jets.

The images first appear to show a Russian fighter plane sporting a white 'V' on it taking off from an undisclosed location.

The 'V' is one of the symbols, as well as the letters 'Z' and 'O' that can be seen painted on Russian military vehicles taking part in the invasion of Ukraine.

The footage then shows the Russian fighter jet and a colleague apparently opening fire on unseen positions, launching their deadly ordnance.

The planes can then be seen flying very low over some countryside before coming in to land.

The images were obtained from the Russian Ministry of Defence (MoD) on Monday, 28th November, along with a statement claiming: "In pairs from low altitudes: combat sorties of Su-25 attack aircraft of the Russian Aerospace Forces in the zone of the special military operation.

"Attack aviation crews carried out rocket air strikes on military facilities and equipment of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. Missile launches were carried out in pairs from low altitudes. As a result of the combat use of aviation weapons, camouflaged fortified field positions and armoured vehicles of the Armed Forces of Ukraine were destroyed.

"After the sorties, the engineering and technical staff completed the tasks of servicing aircraft and preparing aviation equipment for a second combat sortie."

We have not been able to independently verify the claims or the footage.

Russia invaded Ukraine on 24th February in what the Kremlin is still calling a "special military operation". Today marks the 278th day of the war.

The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine reported that between 24th February and 28th November, Russia had lost about 87,900 personnel, 2,908 tanks, 5,861 armoured combat vehicles, 1,899 artillery units, 395 multiple launch rocket systems, 209 air defence systems, 278 warplanes, 261 helicopters, 1,555 drones, 531 cruise missiles, 16 warships, 4,416 motor vehicles and fuel tankers, and 163 units of special equipment.

Russia has claimed that its casualties have been much lower but provides infrequent updates on its latest figures.

Petro Kotin, the head of Energoatom, the Ukrainian state nuclear power plant operator, has said that there are signs that the Russian forces could be preparing to abandon the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant.

Kotin said: “In recent weeks we are effectively receiving information that signs have appeared that they are possibly preparing to leave.”

He added: “One gets the impression they’re packing their bags and stealing everything they can.”

Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky has said that Russia is planning to launch fresh missile attacks.

Zelensky said on Sunday evening: “We understand that terrorists are preparing new strikes. We know that for sure. And as long as they have missiles, they won’t stop, unfortunately.”

Hundreds of Ukrainians have reportedly left the city of Kherson in southern Ukraine after Russian shelling intensified on Sunday.

Evacuations from the city began last week amid fears that there was a lack of electricity, water and heating.

British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak is reportedly set to promise to maintain or increase military aid to Ukraine in 2023, according to an extract from a speech he is set to give today.

The Prime Minister will reportedly say: “We will stand with Ukraine for as long as it takes. We will maintain or increase our military aid next year. And we will provide new support for air defence.”

The authorities in Ukraine are slowly restoring power across the country, but millions are still said to be doing without heat or electricity after Russia’s heaviest missile strikes so far in the war.

Zelensky said: “We have been restoring electricity generation and supply day after day.”

He added: “As of today, in most regions of the country, only stabilisation schedules of shutdowns are in effect.”

The Ministry of Defence of the United Kingdom has said that Russia is currently hitting Ukraine with ageing cruise missiles that have been stripped of their nuclear warheads because Russia’s stocks are so depleted.

The UK MoD added that the move by the Russian side was “unlikely to achieve reliable effects”.