This footage reportedly shows Russian attack helicopters hitting military targets in Ukraine.

The images allegedly show heavily-armed Russian attack helicopters – sporting the now infamous 'Z' symbol – taking off from an undisclosed location before heading to their targets somewhere in Ukraine.

The 'Z' is one of the symbols, as well as the letters 'V' and 'O' that can be seen painted on Russian military vehicles taking part in the invasion of Ukraine.

The attack helicopters can be seen flying low over a forested area before firing their ordnance at unseen targets. Two soldiers can be seen opening fire with machine guns out of the side of one of the helicopters.

The footage ends with the helicopters apparently returning to base and landing.

The images were released by the Russian Ministry of Defence (MoD) on Wednesday, August 24, along with a statement claiming that the images show the ‘combat work of the crews of Mi-28 multi-purpose attack helicopters and fire support groups of the army aviation of the Western Military District in the zone of the special military operation.'

The Russian MoD also claimed: ‘As a result of regular combat missions, strongholds of command and armored vehicles of units of the Armed Forces of Ukraine were destroyed.'

Russia invaded Ukraine on February 24 in what the Kremlin is still calling a ‘special military operation'.

The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine reported that between 24th February and August 24, Russia had lost about 45,700 personnel, 1,924 tanks, 4,243 armoured combat vehicles, 1,036 artillery units, 266 multiple launch rocket systems, 147 air defence systems, 234 warplanes, 199 helicopters, 819 drones, 196 cruise missiles, 15 warships, 3,160 motor vehicles and fuel tankers, and 99 units of special equipment.

Russia has claimed that its casualties have been much lower, but provides infrequent updates on its latest figures.
General Valerii Zaluzhnyi, 49, the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, said on Monday, 22nd August that almost 9,000 Ukrainian military personnel have been killed since the beginning of Russia's invasion.

Ukraine is marking 31 years of independence from the Soviet Union today, on Wednesday, August 24. The United States is reportedly set to announce USD 3 billion in fresh military aid to Kyiv today.

Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky has said that the Ukrainian intelligence services and the country's allies have information of an increased threat from Russia, with celebrations in Kyiv cancelled. He warned Moscow of a 'powerful response' to any attacks on Ukrainian Independence Day.

President Zelensky has vowed to retake Russian-occupied Crimea. He said: ‘We will return Crimea, because it is our territory. In any way we decide. We will decide it on our own, without consulting any other state.'

He added: ‘It all began with Crimea and it will end with Crimea.'

The Ministry of Defence of the United Kingdom issued an intelligence update today, on Wednesday, August 24, in which it said: ‘Today marks the 31st anniversary of Ukraine's independence.

Since 2014, President Putin has sought to use a mix of force and coercive diplomacy to increase and solidify Russia's influence in Ukraine and interfere in its foreign affairs.

‘Russia launched a full invasion of Ukraine six months ago, with the aim of toppling the government and occupying most of the country. By April, Russia's leaders realised this had failed, and reverted to more modest objectives in eastern and southern Ukraine.

‘The Donbas offensive is making minimal progress and Russia anticipates a major Ukrainian counterattack. Operationally, Russia is suffering from shortages of munitions, vehicles and personnel. Morale is poor in many parts of its military and its army is significantly degraded. Its diplomatic power has been diminished and its long-term economic outlook is bleak. Six months in and Russia's war has proven both costly and strategically harmful.'

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) said in a statement that it will visit the Russian-occupied Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant – Europe's largest – in Ukraine in the coming days, if discussions are successful.