Ukrainian military units unveiled a special Orthodox Easter gift for Russian tank troops – a terrifying blitz to knock out armour and supply vehicles.

The attack took place over the weekend as Ukrainians and Russians celebrated Orthodox Holy Week and reportedly sent “Easter gifts” to the Russian units.

The 53rd Separate Mechanized Brigade, named after Prince Vladimir Monomakh – a brigade of the Ukrainian Ground Forces – said in a statement on 24th April: “Ukrainians are a very hospitable people.

“Therefore, the horde of the armed forces of the Russian Federation was not left without Easter gifts.

“Soldiers of the separate mechanized brigade named after Prince Vladimir Monomakh conveyed warm welcome to the occupiers.

“Enemies with BMPs [infantry fighting vehicles] and supply vehicles are no longer destined to plunder Ukrainian land.”

The brigade added: “Believe in our soldiers, believe in the Armed Forces of Ukraine! Let’s win together!”

The Ukrainian brigade did not state where or when the strikes took place.

Russia invaded Ukraine on 24th February in what the Kremlin called a “special military operation”. Today marks the 61st day of the invasion.

From 24th February to 24th April, the total combat losses of Russian troops stand at nearly 22,000 personnel, according to the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

The Ukrainian military also claims that Russia has lost 873 battle tanks, 2,238 combat armoured vehicles, 408 artillery systems, 147 MLR systems, 69 anti-aircraft systems, 179 warplanes, 154 helicopters, 1,557 vehicles, 8 vessels, 76 fuel tank trucks, 191 operational-tactical level UAVs, 28 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.

Though the focus of the Russian invasion is now firmly on Ukraine’s eastern Donbas region, Ukrzaliznytsia (Ukrainian Railways) is reporting that five train stations in the centre and west of the country have come under attack, resulting in a number of casualties.