Russia suffers 'massive casualties' in devastating Ukrainian strike on occupied airbase

Russian forces have suffered "massive casualties" after Ukraine struck one of Moscow's bases in the occupied Donetsk region.

Ukrainian forces used High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS) to hit Russia with another blow in the war.

ASTRA Telegram channel, run by independent Russian journalists, said: "A video has appeared online showing the aftermath of an attack, presumably on a training ground near Donetsk."

They cited the Russian military channel Alex Parker Return, which said the attack was carried out with "HIMARS cluster munitions during another exercise."

The channel added: "Massive casualties. You can make mistakes, but you can't lie. Unteachable. Alas."

Russian Telegram channels reported that the attack caused 50 casualties.

Western weapons such as HIMARS have proven crucial for Ukraine in their efforts to repel the Russian invasion.

Ukraine has repeatedly lobbied for the US and UK to allow Kyiv's forces to strike Russian territory with Western weapons, a request not yet granted by leaders in Washington and London.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is still pushing for permission as he also presents a plan to end the war to US Secretary of State Antony Blinken.

According to reports, Mr Blinken was briefed on a plan that would force Russia to accept a ceasefire.

US ambassador to the UN, Linda Thomas-Greenfield, said Washington had seen the plan, adding: “We think it lays out a strategy and a plan that can work."

Posting on X, Mr Zelensky said that the plan is "90 percent ready" and will bring about "real peace."

He added: "Throughout the day, we held various meetings to prepare our Ukrainian Victory Plan. Each point is filled with real substance - military, political, diplomatic, and economic. Key figures for every area have been involved. The necessary steps for Ukraine are already clearly defined.

"These steps will give us the strongest possible positions to bring about peace - a real and just peace. For every step, we have a clear list of actions - what exactly is needed and what will strengthen our efforts.

"There is nothing impossible in this plan. Over 90 percent of it is already laid out. This comprehensive package will ensure the right development of the situation not only for Ukraine but for everyone around the world who values international law. Next week, we will present our Victory Plan to our allies.

"I am grateful to everyone in the world who stands with Ukraine and helps us defend life."