Russia has said that these images show its paratroopers stopping a Ukrainian attempt to break through their lines.

The footage begins by showing a Russian infantry fighting vehicle bearing the now infamous 'Z' symbol opening fire on unseen Ukrainian troops.

The video then shows the view from inside one of the Russian war machines as it fires on unseen targets. A Russian paratrooper can then be seen firing an anti-tank guided missile into the distance, with it exploding on a hillside.

The footage was obtained from the Russian Ministry of Defence (MoD) on Wednesday, September 21, along with a statement saying the images show the 'combat work of the units of the Airborne Troops.'

They said: 'Airborne units thwarted an attempt to break through the Armed Forces of Ukraine in one of the defence sectors.

'Having suffered significant losses, the nationalists tried to hide in armoured vehicles but were destroyed by anti-tank missile systems.'

Russia invaded Ukraine on February 24 in what the Kremlin is still calling a 'special military operation'.

The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine reported that between February 24 and September 21, Russia had lost about 55,110 personnel, 2,227 tanks, 4,748 armoured combat vehicles, 1,340 artillery units, 318 multiple launch rocket systems, 168 air defence systems, 253 warplanes, 217 helicopters, 932 drones, 239 cruise missiles, 15 warships, 3,610 motor vehicles and fuel tankers, and 125 units of special equipment.

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

Russian President Vladimir Putin has announced a partial mobilisation of the country's military. The Russian Defence Minister, Sergey Shoigu, has said that about 300,000 reservists will be called up.

Putin accused the West of engaging in nuclear blackmail against Russia and said that Russia has 'lots of weapons to reply' to what he termed Western threats, adding that he was not bluffing.

Putin said Russia would employ all means necessary to defend 'our people' in the Donbas. He has also reportedly ordered an increase in funding to boost the country's weapons production.

World leaders have condemned pro-Russian separatists' announced intention to vote on annexation by Russia in contested territories.

Proxy Russian authorities in Donetsk, Luhansk, Kherson and Zaporizhzhia said on Tuesday that they plan to hold referendums to join the Russian Federation between September 23 and 27.

Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky said in the early hours of Wednesday, September 21: 'Our position does not change according to this noise or any other announcement.' Calling the planned referendums a 'sham' and meaningless, he vowed to 'eliminate' the threats caused by Russia and to continue retaking territory.