Russian MRLS Fires Salvo Of Missiles Into Air Above Ukraine

This slickly-produced footage shows a Russian multiple-launch rocket system firing a salvo of missiles into the air above Ukraine.

The Russian Ministry of Defence said in a statement obtained by Newsflash on 19th December: "Crews of the 122-mm multiple launch rocket systems (MLRS) 'Grad' of the Southern Military District continue to successfully carry out combat missions of the special military operation.

"Artillerymen hit strongholds and command posts, areas of concentration of forces, artillery and mortar batteries, and enemy military equipment. Having completed a volley, the crews of self-propelled rocket launchers change positions, reload in a safe area and enter a new firing line."

The BM-21 Grad was designed in the Soviet Union in 1963 and has been in service since then to the present.

Russia invaded Ukraine on 24th February in what the Kremlin is still calling a "special military operation". Today marks the 299th day of the invasion.

The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine reported that between 24th February and 19th December, Russia had lost about 98,800 personnel, 2,988 tanks, 5,969 armoured combat vehicles, 1,953 artillery units, 410 multiple launch rocket systems, 212 air defence systems, 281 warplanes, 264 helicopters, 1,657 drones, 653 cruise missiles, 16 warships, 4,592 motor vehicles and fuel tankers, and 175 units of special equipment.

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

Kyiv's critical infrastructure was targeted by a wave of Russian military drone attacks early on 19th December.

Some 20 Iran-made drones were deployed to and around Ukraine's capital, with air defence systems destroying about three-quarters of them.

Officials in Kyiv have confirmed that a critical infrastructure point was hit, without giving further details.

UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak is set to announce a new military aid package for Ukraine worth GBP 250 million.

It will include "hundreds of thousands of rounds of artillery ammunition" for use against invading Russian forces.

And officials in Ukraine have dismissed calls for a negotiated peace from former US Secretary of State Henry Kissinger as "appeasing the aggressor".