Russia Says It Hit Ukraine Military Targets With 'Tornado-G' MLRS

Russia has said that it has hit Ukrainian military targets using a 'Tornado-G' multiple launch rocket system.

Footage obtained from the Russian Ministry of Defence (MoD) shows one of the war machines manoeuvring into position, leaving the cover of a forested area for an open field before firing its missiles into the sky.

The footage then shows a number of explosions, presumably as the Russian missiles hit their Ukrainian targets.

The images were obtained from the Russian MoD on Monday, 23rd January, along with a statement claiming: "According to intelligence, units of the Armed Forces of Ukraine have concentrated military equipment, weapons and ammunition to supply their group of forces.

"The data of the scouts were confirmed by technical means of reconnaissance, after which the Tornado-G multiple rocket launcher systems (MLRS) attacked the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

"Crews of the 'Tornado-G' MLRS disabled and destroyed command posts, warehouses with weapons, ammunition and fuel and lubricants, and conducted counter-battery combat with enemy artillery located at a great distance.

"From the very beginning of the special military operation, crews of the 'Tornado-G' MLRS of the Southern Military District have been continuously defeating the positions, equipment and manpower of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

"The maximum efficiency and accuracy of such volleys is ensured by the adjustment of fire with the help of unmanned aircraft and advanced artillery reconnaissance detachments.

"After hitting targets, the personnel leave their positions."

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

Russia invaded Ukraine on 24th February 2022 in what the Kremlin is still calling a "special military operation". Today marks the 334th day of the war.

The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine reported that between 24th February 2022 and 23rd January 2023, Russia had lost about 121,480 personnel, 3,150 tanks, 6,276 armoured combat vehicles, 2,146 artillery units, 447 multiple launch rocket systems, 220 air defence systems, 287 warplanes, 277 helicopters, 1,894 drones, 749 cruise missiles, 18 warships, 4,936 motor vehicles and fuel tankers, and 193 units of special equipment.

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

Annalena Baerbock, Germany’s Foreign Minister, has said that her country will not “stand in the way” of Poland sending Leopard tanks to Ukraine.

Speaking to French television station LCI, Baerbock was asked what Germany’s reaction would be if Poland sent its Leopard 2 tanks to Ukraine, and she replied: “For the moment the question has not been asked, but if we were asked we would not stand in the way.”

Olaf Scholz, the German Chancellor, has said that Germany will “continue to support Ukraine – for as long and as comprehensively as necessary.”

He added: “Together, as Europeans – in defence of our European peace project.”

Poland has said that it is ready to deliver 14 Leopard tanks to Kyiv but added that it is waiting for “a clear statement” from the German government.

Mateusz Morawiecki, Poland’s Prime Minister, has criticised Germany’s failure to supply Ukraine with tanks.

Morawiecki said: “Germany’s attitude is unacceptable. It has been almost a year since the war began. Innocent people are dying every day.”

French President Emmanuel Macron said on Sunday that he has not ruled out sending Leclerc tanks to Ukraine.

Macron said: “As for the Leclercs, I have asked the Ministry of Defence to work on it. Nothing is excluded.”

Russia has claimed that it has made advances in Ukraine’s Zaporizhzhia region after months of stalemate, according to local officials installed by Russia.

The Russian Ministry of Defence claimed: “During offensive operations in the direction of Zaporizhzhia, units of the eastern military district took up more advantageous ground and positions.”

The head of the Norwegian Armed Forces, Eirik Kristoffersen, has estimated that 180,000 Russian troops have been killed or wounded since the beginning of the Russian invasion of Ukraine last February and that 100,000 Ukrainian soldiers have been killed or wounded, with 30,000 civilians killed. It is unclear how the numbers were calculated.