Russian soldiers acting as part of reconnaissance-strike contours allegedly fired at Ukrainian military men and equipment using 'Hyacinth-B' towed howitzers.

The attack, purportedly captured in this footage, was carried out by members of the Western Military District, Russia's Ministry of Defence said on March 27.

Drone operators aided the mission by locating the targets and relaying their coordinates to fellow artillerymen.

The video shows the moment the howitzers 'Hyacinth-B' struck Ukrainian mortar crews entrenched in a forest belt, still according to the ministry.

It added in a statement: 'The movement of the Ukrainian Armed Forces units around the clock is tracked by operators of unmanned aerial vehicle crews, who immediately transmit target coordinates for delivering fire strikes.

'The crews of the 'Hyacinth-B'howitzers conduct firing at ranges up to 22 kilometres [13 miles], perform combat tasks daily, destroying military objects, fortifications, and enemy equipment.

'The crews also conduct counter-battery combat and strikes on the enemy's rear areas, preventing them from launching an effective offensive and consolidating their positions on the frontlines.'

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

The conflict is still ongoing with public support from Europe and the United States fading and businesses reopening their ties with Russia.

Deserters have fled both countries for safer climbs in Europe and Asia.