Self-Proclaimed DPR Claims Its Soldiers Shelled Ukrainian Stronghold Near Marinka

These images purport to show Ukrainian fighters fleeing from their positions after being shelled by soldiers of the self-proclaimed Donetsk People's Republic.

Aerial reconnaissance of the so-called DPR allegedly discovered the Ukrainian stronghold somewhere near Marinka, in eastern Ukraine's Donetsk region.

The footage appears to show Ukrainian soldiers moving inside a trench in a field.

It then cuts to soldiers of the DPR uncovering a camouflaged mortar and loading it with shells, which are then fired towards the sky and allegedly strike close to Ukrainian fighters.

The images were obtained by Newsflash from the People's Militia of the DPR on 5th January, along with a statement saying: "Mortarmen of the 5th brigade put Ukrainian militants to flight in the Maryinka direction.

"With well-aimed fire, which was corrected with the help of UAVs, they managed to force the Ukrainian militants to leave their stronghold and take flight."

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 317th day of the invasion.

The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine reported that between 24th February and 6th January, Russia had lost about 110,250 personnel, 3,064 tanks, 6,124 armoured combat vehicles, 2,059 artillery units, 431 multiple launch rocket systems, 215 air defence systems, 285 warplanes, 272 helicopters, 1,844 drones, 723 cruise missiles, 16 warships, 4,797 motor vehicles and fuel tankers, and 182 units of special equipment.

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

The Ministry of Defence of Russia announced a temporary 36-hour-long ceasefire set to last from 6th January at 12am to 7th January at 12pm in a Telegram post late Thursday.

The United States Department of State called the truce announcement during Russian Orthodox Christmas a "cynical" proposition.

US President Joe Biden described the situation as Russian President Vladimir Putin "trying to find some oxygen".

And US Department of State spokesperson Ned Price said: "Our concern is that the Russians would seek to use any temporary pause in fighting to rest, to refit, to regroup, and ultimately to re-attack."

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky dismissed Russia's order for a ceasefire and called it a trick to slow down Ukraine's defences in the Donbas region.

President Zelensky said: "They now want to use Christmas as a cover, albeit briefly, to stop the advances of our boys in Donbas and bring equipment, ammunition and mobilised troops closer to our positions."

He added: "The war will end either when your soldiers leave or we throw them out."

The White House announced that Germany will join the USA in providing additional Patriot missile systems to Ukraine.

Germany will also be sending armoured personnel carriers to Ukraine, according to an announcement after German Chancellor Olaf Scholz spoke with President Biden.

The German Minister for Economic Affairs, Robert Habeck, said it was a "good decision" for Germany to supply Ukraine with weapons.