These images purport to show Russian special forces soldiers training in snowy conditions in Ukraine.
The footage shows the Russian soldiers opening fire on a firing range with assault rifles, shooting at mock targets.
The images were obtained from the Russian Ministry of Defence (MoD) on Monday, 13th March, along with a statement claiming: “Military personnel of the special forces units of the Western Military District continue combat coordination in the rear areas of the special military operation.”
The Russian MoD added: “Shots have been ringing at the firing range since early morning. Here, military personnel undergo full training and learn and relearn new skills in combat work. Classes at the training ground are held incl. and with the personnel of the special forces units of the Western Military District, formed from military personnel called up from the reserve as part of partial mobilization.
“Before going to the zone of the special military operation, the military personnel of the Western Military District hone their skills and abilities to fight in different terrain conditions and in any weather.
“Experienced special forces soldiers are preparing reinforcements at one of the training grounds of the Western Military District, located in the rear area of a special military operation.
“In the most difficult weather conditions, with minimal visibility, the military personnel practice the elements of a rapid attack and the capture of an enemy stronghold, a clash in a forest belt, and regrouping with taking a more advantageous position. Coordination goes on at the level of twos, threes, branches.
“Various small arms are used – machine guns, machine guns, sniper rifles. At certain stages, grenade launchers and military engineers are involved.
“They hone their skills in handling different types of weapons and, most importantly, the fighters learn to intuitively understand and feel their comrades.
“Everyone knows how to handle weapons anyway. But not just target shooting is important, but the ability to use weapons at a high level.
“The main thing is to hone everything to automatism here, in the rear, in a calm environment.
“In addition, the special forces, who have received combat experience in the zone of the special military operation, tell and show in practice the tactics of conducting combat in dense urban areas, small towns, industrial enterprises, converted by the Armed Forces of Ukraine into multi-level fortified areas.
“The instructors meticulously ensure that all possible surprises, any “little things” that the fighters may encounter on the battlefield are taken into account. The task is to bring all actions to automatism.
“Small dashes from cover to cover, shooting back from the attacking enemy, the fighter needs to take an advantageous firing position. Groups move around, cover each other, learn to quickly respond to changing situations.
“At night, the range does not sleep, the shooting continues. After sunset, the fighting does not end. Soldiers work out tasks in the dark. They work with night vision devices. Darkness is an ideal condition for surprise attacks and destruction of the enemy.
“Soldiers train, sparing no effort and ammunition. And of course, they are waiting for only one thing – victory.
“After working out all the skills, these servicemen will go to the front line in the zone of a special military operation to perform combat missions.
“Gaining experience in firing is as important as supporting relatives. Everyone who is serving knows that they are waiting for him at home.”
We have not been able to independently verify the claims or the footage.
Russia invaded Ukraine on 24th February 2022 in what the Kremlin is still calling a “special military operation”. Today marks the 383rd day of the full-scale war.
The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine reported that between 24th February 2022 and 13th March 2023, Russia had lost about 159,800 personnel, 3,474 tanks, 6,774 armoured combat vehicles, 2,503 artillery units, 493 multiple launch rocket systems, 259 air defence systems, 304 warplanes, 289 helicopters, 2,109 drones, 907 cruise missiles, 18 warships, 5,354 motor vehicles and fuel tankers, and 251 units of special equipment.
Russia has claimed that its casualties have been much lower but provides infrequent updates on its latest figures.
Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky has awarded the Hero of Ukraine title to a PoW who was executed on camera with a machine gun after being captured by Russian forces.
Zelensky said: “Today I conferred the title of Hero of Ukraine upon Oleksandr Matsievskyi, a soldier.
“A man whom all Ukrainians will know. A man who will be remembered forever. For his bravery, for his confidence in Ukraine and for his ‘Glory to Ukraine!’”
The Hero of Ukraine title is the highest national title that can be conferred upon an individual citizen by the President of Ukraine.
Alexander Lukashenko, the authoritarian President of Belarus, has arrived in Iran for an official visit to discuss “trade and economic cooperation”.
Ukraine and Russia have both claimed that hundreds of enemy soldiers had been killed in the last 24 hours in the battle for Bakhmut.
Hulusi Akar, the Minister of Defence of Turkey, has said that he believes that the Ukrainian grain export deal will be extended beyond its deadline of 18th March.
The Russian Foreign Ministry, however, said that its representatives had not yet taken part in any negotiations to extend the deal.
The Prime Minister of Georgia, Irakli Garibashvili, has told Ukraine to stay out of Georgia’s politics.
The criticism comes after Ukrainian leadership expressed support for protesters in Tbilisi.
The Georgian Prime Minister labelled comments from Ukrainian leadership as a “direct intervention” in his country’s domestic politics, telling his Ukrainian counterpart to “take care of yourself and your country, and we will take care of our country”.
