Large Explosions As Ukrainian Paratroopers Hit Russian Front Lines With Coordinated Attacks

These images show large explosions as Ukrainian paratroopers hit the Russian front lines with coordinated attacks.

The footage appears to show large swathes of the Russian front lines being hit by an impressive display of Ukrainian firepower.

The images also appear to show a Ukrainian drone dropping a bomb on a tank.

The images were obtained from the 95th Separate Airborne Assault Brigade of the Air Assault Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine on Thursday, 9th February, along with a statement saying: "You can endlessly look at three things: how the fire burns, how the water flows and how the Zhytomyr paratroopers 'minus' the Russians.

"Soldiers of the 1st Battalion of the 95th Separate Assault Brigade shared a video of their work. The result is that a considerable amount of the occupier's manpower was destroyed, their equipment was destroyed, and the Ukrainian land will soon become even more fertile from a new portion of 'fertiliser'.

"Let's stay in line and go forward to Our Victory! Glory to Air Assault Forces! Glory to Ukraine!"

Russia invaded Ukraine on 24th February 2022 in what the Kremlin is still calling a "special military operation". Today marks the 351st day of the war.

The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine reported that between 24th February 2022 and 9th February 2023, Russia had lost about 135,010 personnel, 3,255 tanks, 6,468 armoured combat vehicles, 2,244 artillery units, 463 multiple launch rocket systems, 232 air defence systems, 295 warplanes, 285 helicopters, 1,967 drones, 796 cruise missiles, 18 warships, 5,121 motor vehicles and fuel tankers, and 211 units of special equipment.

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

Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky has urged Europe to provide his country with combat aircraft and long-range heavy weaponry as soon as possible during a visit to Paris.

Zelensky said as he arrived at the Elysee palace on Wednesday: “The sooner Ukraine gets long-range heavy weaponry, the sooner our pilots get planes, the sooner this Russian aggression will end and we can return to peace in Europe.”

Zelensky met with French President Emmanuel Macron and German chancellor Olaf Scholz, urging them to be “game changers” and send modern combat planes.

Zelensky said Macron’s stance had changed regarding Ukraine and the war. The French President had initially tried to keep communication channels open with Russia in the early phase of the conflict.

But Zelensky said: “I think he [Macron] has changed.”

He added: “And he’s changed for real this time. After all, he opened the door to tank deliveries. He also supported Ukraine’s candidacy for the EU. I believe it was a real signal.

“We had a lot of conversations with France, Germany and other countries. I believe that trust is real today.”

Zelensky’s visit to Paris comes after he made an emotional speech to the UK’s Parliament early on Wednesday, saying: “I appeal to you and the world with simple and yet most important words: combat aircraft – for Ukraine! Wings – for freedom!”

UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has said that “nothing was off the table”.

The UK has also pledged to train Ukrainian pilots on advanced NATO fighter jets, with Sunak saying that it will “ensure Ukraine can defend its skies well into the future”.