Russia Says It Has Fired On Ukrainian Positions With Self-Propelled Akatsiya Howitzers

Russia has said that it has fired on Ukrainian positions on the frontlines using self-propelled Akatsiya howitzers.

The footage begins by apparently showing at least two Russian 2S3 'Akatsiya' ('Acacia') howitzers opening fire on unseen Ukrainian positions.

The images then cut to what appear to be explosions, supposedly on the Ukrainian frontlines.

One of the self-propelled howitzers is then seen manoeuvring away, presumably to avoid return fire.

The images were obtained from the Russian Ministry of Defence (MoD) on Monday, 23rd January, along with a statement claiming: "Combat work of crews of 152-mm self-propelled 2S3 'Acacia' howitzers of the artillery unit of the Southern Military District in the course of carrying out fire missions to destroy objects and positions of the Armed Forces of Ukraine in the zone of the special military operation

"Subdivisions of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation continue to conduct offensive operations in the course of a special military operation.

"Artillerymen of the Southern Military District, supporting the actions of motorized rifle and tank units, strike at enemy fortifications, accumulations of manpower, columns of military equipment of Ukrainian militants delivering reinforcements.

"During the execution of fire missions by the crew, according to intelligence data, a position was discovered on which the enemy stronghold was located. Precise fire from 152-mm self-propelled artillery mounts destroyed the target.

"The fire correction was carried out by crews of unmanned aerial vehicles, which carry out reconnaissance of enemy positions and correct the accuracy of the fire of military vehicles around the clock."

The statement quotes the commander of a howitzer battery with the call sign 'Patriot' as saying: “We have many tasks, supporting infantry, defeating strongholds, artillery mortar batteries, that is, there are many targets, we work a lot. We mainly work on strongholds. They lay down so that the infantry could advance and occupy these strongholds without enemy fire."

He reportedly added: “They say they brought reserves, we are trying to destroy these reserves. The result is progress. We try not to stand in one position for a long time, we move. Now the goal is the stronghold of the enemy."

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.