These images purport to show a Russian Solntsepek heavy flamethrower firing missiles at Ukrainian positions.

The footage shows ordnance being loaded into the weapon by a Russian soldier before the war machine can be seen opening fire.

The images were obtained from the Russian Ministry of Defence (MoD) on Monday, December 11, along with a statement claiming: 'The crew of the Solntsepek heavy flamethrower system performs tasks in one of the areas of the special military operation.'

The Russian MoD added: 'The heavy flamethrower system TOS-1A ensures the guaranteed destruction of enemy personnel and equipment in open spaces, shelters, and areas with complex terrain. The 220mm unguided rocket projectiles with volumetric-detonating charges eliminate enemy shelters by dispersing explosive mixtures in the form of aerosol, followed by ignition. A high-temperature field of excess pressure is created. The damaging factors also include a powerful shockwave and projectile fragments.'

'The commander of the heavy flamethrower platoon, callsign 'Tourist', shared that the 'Sunheat' systems in the area of the Special Military Operations (SVO) are practically deployed daily against long-term fortified firing points, shelters with cover thickness of 2-3 metres, and also target underground communication systems in fortified areas and trenches of the AFU [Armed Forces of Ukraine].'

The statement quotes the commander as saying: 'These are targets that infantry cannot capture without powerful fire support. The area of ​​effect of each thermobaric projectile exceeds 25 square meters, as the aerosol penetrates any cracks and fills voids.'

The statement also said: 'The commander of the heavy flamethrower platoon also notes that TOS systems are prioritized targets for the enemy due to their high efficiency. Therefore, it is crucial for the crew to quickly change positions.'

The statement quoted as saying: 'We manage to leave the position before the first retaliatory shot from the enemy. It takes literally about 40 seconds. When you work every day, your hands remember everything very well, mechanical memory kicks in, and everything becomes easier.'

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