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, March 13, 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.'

Russia invaded Ukraine on February 24, 2022 in what the Kremlin is still calling a 'special military operation'.