Russia’s Defence Ministry has shared shocking footage of a devastated Ukrainian base with dead bodies lying on the floor after their troops carried out an assault on the fortified position.

The Russian MoD said on 22nd April: “A unit of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, who did not want to voluntarily lay down their arms, was driven out of fortified positions as a result of the assault.

The Russian MoD also claimed that over 20 Ukrainian soldiers were killed in the assault, and that survivors were forced to leave behind large amounts of weapons and ammo.

The MoD said: “Retreating, the nationalists left behind military equipment, small arms, anti-tank systems, grenade launchers and a large amount of ammunition.”

According to the Russian military, the fortified area “had an extensive network of trenches, ditches, armoured firing points, and long-term fortifications, including underground concrete bunkers”.

It is unclear when and where the Russian attack took place.

Russia invaded Ukraine on 24th February in what the Kremlin called a “special military operation”. Today marks the 58th day of the invasion.

From 24th February to 22nd April, the total combat losses of Russian troops stand at 21,200 personnel, according to the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

The Ukrainian military also claims that Russia has lost 838 battle tanks, 2,162 combat armoured vehicles, 397 artillery systems, 138 MLR systems, 69 anti-aircraft systems, 176 warplanes, 153 helicopters, 1,523 vehicles, 8 vessels, 76 fuel tank trucks, 172 operational-tactical level UAVs, 27 units of special equipment, and four mobile SRBM systems.

The United States has provided a large number of Javelin anti-tank missile systems to Ukraine. Russia has also been hit hard by international sanctions following its invasion of Ukraine, with its tank production chain said to be plagued by supply shortages.

Meanwhile, Antonio Guterres, the secretary-general of the UN, has called for a four-day pause in fighting in Ukraine to mark Orthodox Holy Week and allow for the delivery of humanitarian aid and civilian evacuations.

He said: “Humanitarian needs are dire. People do not have food, water, or supplies to treat the sick or wounded or simply to live day-to-day.

“Inspired by the Holy Week, I urge all parties, and all champions of peace around the world, to join my Easter appeal.

“Save lives. Stop the bloodshed and destruction.”