Russia has claimed that its T-72B3 tank has destroyed Ukrainian positions in Kupyansk.

Footage shows Russian soldiers deploying with the T-72B3 tank to the position and starting firing at the allegedly Ukrainian position.

The images were obtained from the Russian Ministry of Defence on Thursday, August 31, along with a statement claiming: 'The crew of the T-72B3 tank of the ZVO combined arms formation destroyed the camouflaged positions of the Armed Forces of Ukraine in the Kupyansk direction.

'The crew of the T-72B3 tank of the combined arms formation of the Western Military District (ZVO) with direct fire hit the positions of the Armed Forces of Ukraine disguised in the forest belt in the Kupyansky direction in the zone of the special military operation.

'According to reconnaissance, fortifications and an ammunition depot of the enemy were revealed. The crew of the tank immediately moved to firing positions and worked out according to the given coordinates. Correction of fire and fixation of the destruction of targets was carried out using an unmanned aerial vehicle.

'After performing live firing, the tank crew changed their firing position to exclude a retaliatory strike from the enemy.

'The commander of a tank platoon with the call sign 'Pyramid' spoke about the completed combat mission. According to operational information that appeared, the enemy made attempts to consolidate on one of the defense lines. Due to the difficulty in direct fire combat work in conditions of proximity to the settlement, a special crew was assembled.

'In the course of work, the enemy was scattered with aimed shots, and artillery fire inflicted a fire defeat on the prepared firing points, strongholds and dugouts, which did not allow the Ukrainian nationalists to gain a foothold at the desired line.'

A tank platoon commander is quoted as saying: 'For direct fire, the crew must be well-coordinated. They should not just be friends, comrades, they should be a family and think like one machine - work harmoniously, as one mechanism.'

The statement continues: 'Tanks can work both as direct fire on the front lines and from closed firing positions - behind the terrain and in shelters. This allows you to go unnoticed. At the same time, they can inflict effective fire damage and provide active defence and offensive actions of motorized rifle units.'

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