Russian Troops Scarper From Dugouts As Mortars Rain Around Them

This footage shows Russian soldiers frantically climbing out of their dugouts and running for their lives as mortars pummel the ground around them.

The 109th Donetsk Defence Brigade - part of the Territorial Defence Forces's Operational Command East - said it had killed four enemy soldiers in the attack.

The 109th Donetsk Defence Brigade said in a statement obtained by Newsflash on 16th December: "The fighters of our brigade constantly monitor the situation at the front.

"The result of this is the destruction of the enemy in the amount of four people. Glory to Ukraine!"

And the Regional Directorate of Territorial Defence Forces 'East' of the Armed Forces of Ukraine said: "The guys from the aerial reconnaissance and mortar battery of the Donetsk Separate Brigade of the Territorial Defence Forces organised a dance of death for the occupiers.

"Trends, what can you do...

"Death to enemies."

Russia invaded Ukraine on 24th February in what the Kremlin is still calling a "special military operation". Today marks the 299th day of the invasion.

The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine reported that between 24th February and 19th December, Russia had lost about 98,800 personnel, 2,988 tanks, 5,969 armoured combat vehicles, 1,953 artillery units, 410 multiple launch rocket systems, 212 air defence systems, 281 warplanes, 264 helicopters, 1,657 drones, 653 cruise missiles, 16 warships, 4,592 motor vehicles and fuel tankers, and 175 units of special equipment.

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

Kyiv's critical infrastructure was targeted by a wave of Russian military drone attacks early on 19th December.

Some 20 Iran-made drones were deployed to and around Ukraine's capital, with air defence systems destroying about three-quarters of them.

Officials in Kyiv have confirmed that a critical infrastructure point was hit, without giving further details.

UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak is set to announce a new military aid package for Ukraine worth GBP 250 million.

It will include "hundreds of thousands of rounds of artillery ammunition" for use against invading Russian forces.

And officials in Ukraine have dismissed calls for a negotiated peace from former US Secretary of State Henry Kissinger as "appeasing the aggressor".