Russia’s tank troops are said to have suffered severe casualties after a precision blitz by Ukrainian artillery.

Footage of the aftermath shows a group of Russian tanks on fire and several that have had their turrets blown right off.

The artillery strike took place near the city of Zaporizhzhia in the south-eastern Ukrainian region of Zaporizhzhia Oblast.

General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine said on 27th April: “Good morning from Ukraine. The Territorial Defence of the Armed Forces of Ukraine inflicted losses on the Russian occupiers in the area of Zaporizhzhia.

“The result of Ukrainian artillery. Let’s win together!”

The footage shows smoke billowing from several armoured vehicles after apparently being struck by Ukrainian missiles.

Russia invaded Ukraine on 24th February in what the Kremlin called a “special military operation”. Today marks the 63rd day of the invasion.

From 24th February to 27th April, the total combat losses of Russian troops stand at 22,400 personnel, according to the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

The Ukrainian military also claims that Russia has lost 939 battle tanks, 2,342 combat armoured vehicles, 421 artillery systems, 149 MLR systems, 71 anti-aircraft systems, 185 warplanes, 155 helicopters, 1,666 vehicles, 8 vessels, 76 fuel tank trucks, 207 operational-tactical level UAVs, 31 units of special equipment, and four mobile SRBM systems.

Meanwhile, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said Russia is failing in all of its war aims in Ukraine following his short visit to the besieged country.

The talks involving Blinken and US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin in Kyiv on Sunday mark the highest-level visit by US officials since the Russian invasion began.

Officials say Washington has pledged over USD 700 million (GBP 549 million) in additional military aid to Kyiv.