Russian 'Su-25' fighter jet pilots have carried out strikes on Ukrainian strongholds and soldiers with unguided aviation missiles, Russia has claimed.

After using aviation means of attack, the crews performed anti-missile manoeuvres, deployed thermal traps, and returned to the departure airfield, the country's Ministry of Defence said in a statement on March 27.

The sortie allegedly resulted in all targets near the city of Severodonetsk being successfully hit by fire.

The 'Su-25' pilot code-named 'Barney' said: 'On the ground, we received the task, prepared for the combat sortie, and took off in pairs.

'Then we proceeded to the target area, hit the target at the appointed time.

'According to the report of the aviation controller, the target was hit.

'After launching the unguided aviation missiles, we performed a turn with a descent to the minimum altitude with the release of countermeasures.

'We landed at the departure airfield.'

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

The conflict is still ongoing with public support from Europe and the United States fading and businesses reopening their ties with Russia.

Deserters have fled both countries for safer climbs in Europe and Asia.