Russia has said claimed it is using T-80BVM tanks to defend its positions in Bakhmut, as these images purport to show.

The footage shows Russian tanks repeatedly opening fire, with the images cutting to explosions in a treeline, reportedly the Ukrainian positions being hit.

The images were obtained from the Russian Ministry of Defence (MoD) on Wednesday, November 22, along with a statement claiming: 'Soldiers of the 200th Guards Motorized Rifle Brigade of the Northern Fleet confidently defend the positions entrusted to them in the Artemovsk [Bakhmut] direction.'

The Russian MoD added: 'Soldiers of the 200th Guards Motorized Rifle Brigade of the Northern Fleet confidently defend the positions entrusted to them in the Artemovsk direction. Crews of T-80BVM tanks perform fire missions almost around the clock.

'The crew of one of the tanks, working from a closed firing position, fires at a Ukrainian Armed Forces stronghold. When performing fire missions, tank crews closely cooperate with reconnaissance units.

'Reconnaissance of targets and adjustment of fire are carried out, among other things, using unmanned aerial vehicles. As a result of coordinated combat work, the tank crews hit a mortar crew and a dugout with enemy manpower.'

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