This footage reportedly shows Ukrainian ‘Omega’ special forces taking on Russian troops in occupied Donetsk.

The images show the special forces unit flying low in the sky in helicopters. The footage then shows them trekking through a forested area.

They can then reportedly be seen shooting at unseen Russian soldiers, with the footage then apparently showing them blowing up Russian military equipment.

The special forces soldiers can then also be seen lying in a forested area waiting in what appears to be an ambush. The images then show Ukrainian soldiers on a rope dangling from a helicopter as it flies in the sky before the footage ends.

The footage was obtained from the National Guard of Ukraine on Wednesday, 3rd August, along with a statement saying: “They do not have heavy weapons, but they can quietly and imperceptibly go behind the enemy’s back.

“Soldiers of the National Guard special forces unit ‘Omega’ showed a small part of their work in the Donetsk region.”

The images and information were also relayed by the National Security and Defence Council of Ukraine.

And Anton Herashchenko, 43, an adviser and a former deputy minister at the Ukrainian Ministry of Internal Affairs, said: “Rashists, get your black bags ready! Special forces detachment ‘Omega’ is already out for your souls (not that you have them).”

The ‘Omega’ unit is a special forces unit that is part of the National Guard of Ukraine.

Russia invaded Ukraine on 24th February in what the Kremlin is calling a “special military operation”. Today marks the 162nd day of the invasion.

The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine reported that between 24th February and 4th August, Russia had lost about 41,500 personnel, 1,789 tanks, 4,026 armoured combat vehicles, 946 artillery units, 260 multiple launch rocket systems, 118 air defence systems, 223 warplanes, 191 helicopters, 742 drones, 182 cruise missiles, 15 warships, 2,960 motor vehicles and fuel tankers, and 83 units of special equipment.

Russia has claimed that its casualties have been much lower, but provides infrequent updates on its latest figures.

The United Nations is carrying out a fact-finding mission after requests from both Russia and Ukraine following the deaths of 53 Ukrainian POWs in an explosion at a barracks at the Olenivka prison in pro-Russian-controlled Donetsk in eastern Ukraine.

The United States Senate has ratified Finland’s and Sweden’s accession to NATO, with 95 voting in favour and one vote against. The US is now the 23rd NATO member to ratify the countries’ bids to join the alliance. All 30 members have to ratify their bids before Finland and Sweden can become members.

The first grain ship exporting food from Ukraine under a deal brokered by Turkey and the United Nations has reached Turkey. It is the first of 27 ships planned so far that, it is hoped, will help fight the global food crisis. It has been inspected and is now expected to move through to the other side of the Bosphorus Strait.

Former German Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder has faced criticism for having a private meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin after travelling on holiday to Moscow.

Speaking in New York on Wednesday, UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres said that record profits posted by oil and gas companies amid the war in Ukraine amount to “grotesque greed” and urged governments to implement windfall taxes to raise funds to help those most in need.