These images purportedly show Russian Army helicopters destroying a Ukrainian command post in the Luhansk region.

Aerial footage shows the Ka-52 combat chopper taking off from the base and later flying over vast snow-covered fields where its crews opened fire at unseen targets.

The video was obtained from Russia's Ministry of Defence, along with a statement saying: 'A strike group of the army aviation of the Aerospace Forces, consisting of the combat Ka-52 and the search and rescue Mi-8 helicopter with specialists, carried out a combat mission in the Svatovo-Kremenna direction within the area of the special military operation.

'As a result of the combat mission, the Ka-52 Alligator applied means of destruction to the enemy command post, which was detected by reconnaissance.

'After using aviation means of destruction, the crews performed anti-missile manoeuvres, deployed thermal traps, and returned to the takeoff airfield.

'According to the report of the forward aviation spotter (FAS), all specified targets were successfully hit.

'After completing the combat mission, the group returned to the takeoff airfield.'

The chief of the search and rescue and parachute-landing group with the call sign 'Granatych' claimed: 'We made a combat flight to the area of hostilities.

'We performed a search and rescue mission for the crews of the strike group. We watch over them to ensure everything is fine with them. We are happy when everything goes well.

'The combat mission was completed without incidents. We are very glad to have returned home.

'Every flight is very exciting for us. We always hope that everything will be fine. So far, everything is going well.'