Russia has said that it has fired on Ukrainian positions on the frontlines using self-propelled Akatsiya howitzers.

The footage begins by apparently showing at least two Russian 2S3 'Akatsiya' ('Acacia') howitzers opening fire on unseen Ukrainian positions.

The images then cut to what appear to be explosions, supposedly on the Ukrainian frontlines.

One of the self-propelled howitzers is then seen manoeuvring away, presumably to avoid return fire.

The images were obtained from the Russian Ministry of Defence (MoD) on Monday, January 23, along with a statement claiming: 'Combat work of crews of 152-mm self-propelled 2S3 'Acacia' howitzers of the artillery unit of the Southern Military District in the course of carrying out fire missions to destroy objects and positions of the Armed Forces of Ukraine in the zone of the special military operation.

'Subdivisions of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation continue to conduct offensive operations in the course of a special military operation.

'Artillerymen of the Southern Military District, supporting the actions of motorized rifle and tank units, strike at enemy fortifications, accumulations of manpower, columns of military equipment of Ukrainian militants delivering reinforcements.

'During the execution of fire missions by the crew, according to intelligence data, a position was discovered on which the enemy stronghold was located. Precise fire from 152-mm self-propelled artillery mounts destroyed the target.

'The fire correction was carried out by crews of unmanned aerial vehicles, which carry out reconnaissance of enemy positions and correct the accuracy of the fire of military vehicles around the clock.'

The statement quotes the commander of a howitzer battery with the call sign 'Patriot' as saying: 'We have many tasks, supporting infantry, defeating strongholds, artillery mortar batteries, that is, there are many targets, we work a lot. We mainly work on strongholds. They lay down so that the infantry could advance and occupy these strongholds without enemy fire.'

He reportedly added: 'They say they brought reserves, we are trying to destroy these reserves. The result is progress. We try not to stand in one position for a long time, we move. Now the goal is the stronghold of the enemy.'

Russia invaded Ukraine on February 24, 2022 in what the Kremlin is still calling a 'special military operation'.