Russia Claims Its T-80 Tanks Destroyed Ukrainian Military Positions

This footage allegedly shows Russian T-80 tanks destroying Ukrainian military positions in "the special operation zone".

The footage appears to show tank crews firing at unseen targets somewhere in Ukraine.

It then cuts to a scene of a dilapidated building being blown up in an explosion.

Later, a 'Z'-daubed tank can be seen moving across the screen after allegedly destroying Ukrainian military equipment.

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

The images were obtained by Newsflash from the Russian Ministry of Defence (MoD) on 29th December, along with a statement: "Mobilised tankers of the Western Military District, who completed the cycle of training and combat coordination, destroy armoured vehicles of the Armed Forces of Ukraine in the special operation zone.

"On one of the directions, the servicemen of the tank company carried out a manoeuvring battle with the enemy.

"During the battle, the crews on the T-80 tanks used natural shelters and terrain folds. This allowed them to go unnoticed and minimize the risks of their own losses.

"Fire adjustment was carried out with the help of a UAV, its own camera recorded hits."

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

Russia invaded Ukraine on 24th February in what the Kremlin is still calling a "special military operation". Today marks the 309th day of the invasion.

The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine reported that between 24th February and 29th December, Russia had lost about 104,560 personnel, 3,018 tanks, 6,047 armoured combat vehicles, 2,004 artillery units, 423 multiple launch rocket systems, 212 air defence systems, 283 warplanes, 268 helicopters, 1,717 drones, 653 cruise missiles, 16 warships, 4,675 motor vehicles and fuel tankers, and 179 units of special equipment.

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

Blasts and air raid alarms were heard all around Ukraine's capital this morning amid reports that over 100 missiles were incoming across the country.

Presidential adviser Mykhailo Podolyak has claimed that more than 120 missiles have been launched into Ukraine by Russia.

The Head of the Ukrainian Military Administration of Kryvyi Rih, Oleksandr Vilkul, claimed that missiles are being launched at Ukraine from ships on the Black Sea.

Kyiv's mayor Vitali Klitschko said that explosions have taken place in the capital, and asked residents to brace themselves for power outages and stock up on water.

Emergency power has reportedly been cut off in several regions of Ukraine.

The Kyiv City Military Administration has urged residents to head to shelters and keep calm until the air raid alarms go off.

This comes amidst the Kremlin's rejection of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s proposed 10-point plan of peace negotiations.

Russia will reportedly 'talk peace' only if Ukraine accepts the annexation of four Ukrainian regions: Luhansk and Donetsk in the east, and Kherson and Zaporizhia in the south.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said that Kyiv’s idea of driving Russia out of eastern Ukraine and Crimea with Western help was "an illusion".

Meanwhile, the US is reportedly doubling up on efforts to stop Iran from being able to supply drones to Russia.

And Ukraine’s ambassador to Germany, Oleksii Makeiev, has called for further support for his country, saying "peace does not fall from the sky. It has to be fought for."