The video purportedly shows Russian snipers engaging in a special operation and targeting and destroying Ukrainian units.

Snipers from the Vostok Battalion, a Russian militant group, allegedly struck Ukrainian troops in the area of the city of Donetsk, in the Donetsk Oblast, Ukraine, on February 1.

Russia's Ministry of Defence said in a statement: 'The launch to carry out a combat mission is carried out at a distance of approximately one to 1.5 kilometres [0.6-0.9 miles] from the line of combat contact.

'Gunners can sit in an ambush for hours, in any weather, both day and night.

'In winter, it is especially difficult for snipers to work - the enemy actively uses drones with thermal imagers, which clearly see the soldiers.

'Even in a closed firing position, they are very vulnerable.'

Sniper commander 'Mark' said: 'When we go, everything that is possible is working on us - mortars, artillery, machine gunners, as well as snipers - our opponents. If we see a rifle, we are the main target.'

A sniper called 'Tourist' said: 'A sniper duel is a very difficult thing. If an enemy sniper appears in the neutral zone, you cannot avoid the fight.

'We must fight to the last. It's very hard work. The strongest wins.The most cunning, the most experienced, and the strongest.'