So-Called DPR Says They Took Out Ukrainian Positions Using 2S1 Gvozdika Howitzers

The pro-Russian Donetsk People’s Republic has said that it has destroyed Ukrainian positions using self-propelled, soviet-era 2S1 Gvozdika howitzers.

The footage purports to show Ukrainian soldiers nestled in a forested area, with the footage then apparently showing the pro-Russian howitzers opening fire on the positions.

The Ukrainian positions, which appear to be running along a railway track, can apparently be seen being targeted by the artillery.

The images then show what appear to be Ukrainian soldiers lying motionless in trenches.

The images were obtained from the so-called Donetsk People’s Republic (DPR) on Monday, 28th November, along with a statement claiming: “Artillerymen of the 1st Army Corps inflicted heavy losses on the Ukrainian nationalists.

“In the course of reconnaissance, the operators of the 1st Army Corps' UAVs revealed the concentration of enemy manpower. The identified target was immediately hit with self-propelled 2S1 ‘Gvozdika’ howitzers. The enemy suffered losses in killed and wounded."

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

Russia invaded Ukraine on 24th February in what the Kremlin is still calling a "special military operation". Today marks the 278th day of the war.

The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine reported that between 24th February and 28th November, Russia had lost about 87,900 personnel, 2,908 tanks, 5,861 armoured combat vehicles, 1,899 artillery units, 395 multiple launch rocket systems, 209 air defence systems, 278 warplanes, 261 helicopters, 1,555 drones, 531 cruise missiles, 16 warships, 4,416 motor vehicles and fuel tankers, and 163 units of special equipment.

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

Petro Kotin, the head of Energoatom, the Ukrainian state nuclear power plant operator, has said that there are signs that the Russian forces could be preparing to abandon the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant.

Kotin said: “In recent weeks we are effectively receiving information that signs have appeared that they are possibly preparing to leave.”

He added: “One gets the impression they’re packing their bags and stealing everything they can.”

Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky has said that Russia is planning to launch fresh missile attacks.

Zelensky said on Sunday evening: “We understand that terrorists are preparing new strikes. We know that for sure. And as long as they have missiles, they won’t stop, unfortunately.”

Hundreds of Ukrainians have reportedly left the city of Kherson in southern Ukraine after Russian shelling intensified on Sunday.

Evacuations from the city began last week amid fears that there was a lack of electricity, water and heating.

British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak is reportedly set to promise to maintain or increase military aid to Ukraine in 2023, according to an extract from a speech he is set to give today.

The Prime Minister will reportedly say: “We will stand with Ukraine for as long as it takes. We will maintain or increase our military aid next year. And we will provide new support for air defence.”

The authorities in Ukraine are slowly restoring power across the country, but millions are still said to be doing without heat or electricity after Russia’s heaviest missile strikes so far in the war.

Zelensky said: “We have been restoring electricity generation and supply day after day.”

He added: “As of today, in most regions of the country, only stabilisation schedules of shutdowns are in effect.”

The Ministry of Defence of the United Kingdom has said that Russia is currently hitting Ukraine with ageing cruise missiles that have been stripped of their nuclear warheads because Russia’s stocks are so depleted.

The UK MoD added that the move by the Russian side was “unlikely to achieve reliable effects”.