Soviet era weapon prized in war; use of devastating weapon critised by rights groups | Watch

Ukrainian soldiers from the 93rd Brigade stationed near the city of Izyum are using one of the prized assets of their country's military to defend against the Russian advance in the Donbas region.

According to British broadcaster Sky News the Soviet era multiple rocket launcher that was built in the 1960s can fire 40 122mm missiles at a target 20 kilometres (12.4 miles) away in under 20 seconds.

They can cause huge destruction over a wide area and both sides have been criticised by human rights groups for the use of similar weapons.

Also one soldier, among those near Izyum, showed Sky News a Next Generation Light Anti-tank Weapon (NLAW) he said came from Britain.

They are able to destroy tanks in a single shot, but only at a short range.

Ukraine's President Volodymr Zelenskyy has consistently demanded more weapons from foreign countries, including longer range weapons, to support their efforts against Russia.

Getting a full picture of the unfolding battle in the east has been difficult because airstrikes and artillery barrages have made it extremely dangerous for reporters to move around.

Both Ukraine and the Moscow-backed rebels fighting in the east also have introduced tight restrictions on reporting from the combat zone.