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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
World
Dave Burke

Russia claims to have killed 200 Ukrainian troops in 17 'high-precision' missile strikes

Russia has claimed to have killed more than 200 Ukrainian troops in 17 "high-precision" missile strikes.

Vladimir Putin's forces said they had struck a command post and a warehouse that stored rockets and artillery.

The country's defence ministry claimed to have carried air strikes today that also destroyed 23 vehicles.

Officials did not provide specific details on where these targets were, but Ukrainian officials said strikes had been carried out in the south and east of the country.

Russia made no mention of an attack on Odesa airport which the local governor said had been hit by a Russian missile, putting the runway out of action.

Russian forces claimed to have killed more than 200 Ukrainian troops in airstrikes (REUTERS)

Moscow has turned its focus toward Ukraine's south and east after failing to capture the capital Kyiv in a nine-week assault
that has flattened cities, killed thousands of civilians and forced more than five million to flee abroad.

Its forces have mostly occupied the eastern port of Mariupol and have captured the town of Kherson in the south.

West of Kherson in Odesa, which has so far been relatively unscathed in the war, a Russian missile strike launched from Crimea destroyed the runway at the main airport, said Maksym Marchenko, Odesda's regional governor.

"Thank God no one was hurt. Anti-sabotage measures are being carried out in the region," Marchenko said.

Ukraine's military said the airport could no longer be used.

Putin's forces are bombarding the south and east of Ukraine (Getty Images)

Earlier Ukraine's military said Russian planes had continued to launch strikes on the besieged city of Mariupol, focusing on the Azovstal steelworks where troops and civilians are sheltering.

In a Facebook post, the general staff of the armed forces also said the Ukrainian military had regained control over four settlements in the Kharkiv region.

Boris Johnson has promised to provide additional military aid to Ukraine as President Volodymyr Zelensky told him what was needed to defend his country against Russian forces.

In a call this afternoon, the Prime Minister offered Mr Zelensky the UK's "continued economic and humanitarian support", a Downing Street spokesperson said.

Mr Johnson is said to have told the Ukrainian President that he is "more committed than ever to reinforcing Ukraine and ensuring Putin fails".

Boris Johnson today said he is committed to ensuring that Putin's efforts fail (Anadolu Agency via Getty Images)

Britain is one of the largest suppliers in Europe of arms to Ukraine, having already sent more than 5,000 anti-tank missiles, 1,360 anti-structure munitions, five air defence systems with more than 100 missiles, and 4.5 tonnes of plastic explosives, according to the Ministry of Defence.

Ukrainian forces have also been using Starstreak high-velocity and low-velocity anti-air missiles supplied by the UK.

Following the call between Mr Johnson and Mr Zelensky, a Downing Street spokesperson said: "The Prime Minister spoke to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky today, as part of their regular dialogue.

"President Zelensky updated on the fierce fighting in Eastern Ukraine and ongoing siege of Mariupol. He set out the equipment needed for the defence of Ukraine.

"The Prime Minister reiterated that he is more committed than ever to reinforcing Ukraine and ensuring Putin fails, noting how hard the Ukrainians are fighting for their freedom.

"He confirmed that the UK will continue to provide additional military aid to give the Ukrainians the equipment they needed to defend themselves.

"The leaders also discussed progress of the UN-led effort to evacuate Mariupol and concern for the injured there. The Prime Minister offered the UK's continued economic and humanitarian support.

"The Prime Minister and President Zelensky agreed to remain in close contact on next steps, in coordination with international allies and partners."

President Zelensky tweeted: "I keep in touch with @BorisJohnson. Spoke about the situation on the battlefield and in the blocked Mariupol.

"Discussed defensive support for Ukraine and the necessary diplomatic efforts to achieve peace."

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