These images purport to show Russian and Chinese warships carrying out joint exercises in the Sea of Japan.
The video shows Russian and Chinese vessels opening fire on mock enemy targets, with Chinese sailors then seen practising to use a Russian belt-fed heavy machinegun.
The images were obtained from the Russian Ministry of Defence (MoD) on Friday, 21st July, along with a statement claiming: “The bilateral Russian-Chinese naval exercise ‘North / Interaction – 2023’ continues in the waters of the Sea of Japan.
“In the course of practical actions, Russian and Chinese sailors improved their swimming skills in various formations and conducted communications training.
“Further, Russian warships worked out a sea battle with a mock enemy ship, during which they performed artillery fire at a surface target from 100-mm Ak-100 and A-190 artillery mounts.”
The Russian MoD added: “As part of the exercise to repel an air attack from a simulated enemy, the ships of the detachment fired artillery at a simulated air target from rapid-fire anti-aircraft guns.
“A little later, the sailors of the Russian Navy and the Chinese Navy destroyed from a large-calibre machine gun on board the large anti-submarine ship ‘Admiral Tributs’ a model of a floating sea mine, which poses a danger to navigation and also repelled the attack of a high-speed small-sized target.
“In the period from 20th July to 23rd July, the joint Russian-Chinese naval exercise ‘North / Interaction – 2023’ is being held in the Sea of Japan.
“The main goal of the exercise is to strengthen naval cooperation between the Russian Federation and the People’s Republic of China, and maintain stability and peace in the Asia-Pacific region.
“The Russian Navy is represented by large anti-submarine ships of the Pacific Fleet ‘Admiral Tributs’ and ‘Admiral Panteleev’, corvettes ‘Hero of the Russian Federation Aldar Tsydenzhapov’ and ‘Thundering’, as well as support vessels.
“From the PLA [China’s People’s Liberation Army] Navy, the Qiqihar and Guiyang destroyers, the Zaozhuang and Rizhao patrol ships, and the Taihu integrated supply ship are involved in the exercise.
“Also, more than 30 aircraft of naval aviation are involved in the exercise from both sides, including anti-submarine aircraft and helicopters, and interceptor fighters.”
We have not been able to independently verify the claims or the footage.
Russia invaded Ukraine on 24th February 2022 in what the Kremlin is still calling a “special military operation”. Today marks the 513th day of the full-scale war.
The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine reported that between 24th February 2022 and 21st July 2023, Russia had lost about 240,690 personnel, 4,133 tanks, 8,080 armoured combat vehicles, 4,610 artillery units, 692 multiple launch rocket systems, 440 air defence systems, 315 warplanes, 310 helicopters, 3,933 drones, 1,298 cruise missiles, 18 warships, 7,145 motor vehicles and fuel tankers, and 686 units of special equipment.
Russia has claimed that its casualties have been much lower but provides infrequent updates on its latest figures.
White House national security spokesperson John Kirby has said that Ukraine has begun using controversial cluster bombs supplied by the US and that they are doing so “quite effectively”.
Ukraine has warned that it may begin targeting shipping from Russian and Russian-occupied ports.
It also indicated that it was ready to fight on the Black Sea, after Russia declared a naval blockade and the bombardment of Ukrainian ports.
The moves come after Moscow pulled out of the Black Sea grain export deal on Monday.
Wheat prices are reportedly continuing to climb on global markets after Russia withdrew from the grain deal. Wheat was trading almost 1.5 per cent higher on the Chicago Board of Trade exchange on Thursday morning.
This comes after wheat rose over 8 per cent on Wednesday.
The United Nations Security Council is reportedly set to meet today, Friday, to discuss the “humanitarian consequences” of Moscow’s withdrawal from the Black Sea grain deal.
European Union foreign ministers have discussed a proposal for a EUR 20 billion (GBP 17.2 billion) fund to pay for weaponry, military aid and ammunition for Ukraine over the next four years.
The EU also said that it was extending sanctions against Russia for another six months, until the end of January next year.
