This is the moment Russian troops use a BM-30 Smerch multiple rocket launcher to destroy Ukrainian ammo depots.

The Russian Ministry of Defence (MoD) said reconnaissance teams identified a camouflaged airfield with ammunition and weapons depots in an unspecified region of Ukraine.

After the data was confirmed by technical officials, the coordinates were handed over to gunners who moved a BM-30 Smerch multiple rocket launcher into position and carried out a salvo launch, a simultaneous discharge of two or more rockets.

The Russian unit then fired a volley of missiles at the Ukrainian targets within minutes of first identifying them.

The Russian MoD said on 21st April: “According to reconnaissance reports, AFU [Armed Forces of Ukraine] units stored ammunition, military equipment and weapons at a camouflaged airfield to supply a group of troops.

“The Smerch multiple-launch rocket launcher, having been tasked with destroying armament and ammunition depots, loaded rockets and moved to a firing position.

“The troops discovered the position of the target and conducted a salvo launch.”

In the footage, Russian soldiers are seen communicating the coordinates of the Ukrainian base before moving the rocket launcher into position.

Troops are seen directing the rocket launcher towards the pinpointed targets before firing a flurry of missiles at the camouflaged Ukrainian airfield.

Russia invaded their neighbours Ukraine on 24th February in what the Kremlin called a “special military operation” in the sovereign European country.

Today marks the 57th day of the invasion. From 24th February to 20th April, the total combat losses of Russian troops stand at 20,900 personnel, according to the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

The Ukrainian military also claims that Russia has lost 815 battle tanks, 2,087 combat armoured vehicles, 391 artillery systems, 136 MLR systems, 67 anti-aircraft systems, 171 warplanes, 150 helicopters, 1,504 vehicles, 8 vessels, 76 fuel tank trucks, 165 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.