Russian planes battled wildfires raging in the southeast of the country, with firefighting operations underway in the severely affected Transbaikal region.

Dramatic footage shows a firefighting aircraft dropping water on the flames, with a thick cloud of smoke visible in the background on May 5.

The Ministry of Emergency Situations (EMERCOM) reported that aviation units completed 10 flights over two days, releasing a total of 420 tonnes of water.

Two Ilyushin Il-76 aircraft were deployed to combat fires near the village of Ukurik, one of the hardest-hit areas.

Officials said more than 314,300 hectares of land are currently burning. Of the 29 active wildfires, 12 have been localised, affecting 236,700 hectares.

EMERCOM confirmed that the situation remains under control, with ongoing efforts to contain and extinguish the remaining fires.