These images purport to show fresh Russian conscripts training to use tanks and machine guns.
The footage begins with a tank seen being driven along a track, shortly followed by another military vehicle before a soldier is seen using a machine gun.
The images were obtained from the Russian Ministry of Defence on Tuesday, 3rd October, along with a statement claiming: “Servicemen of the spring conscription of 2023 performed live firing at one of the training grounds of the Central Military District in the Samara region.
“Military personnel serving in military units of the Central Military District and called up to the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation in the spring of this year continue to improve their skills in military specialities at the training grounds of the Russian Ministry of Defense.
“At the Roshchinsky training ground in the Samara region, military personnel carried out combat coordination within motorized rifle squads within the framework of a unified training system, and also performed shooting exercises.
“Motorised rifles in combat twos advanced along the winding fortification with the task of occupying the most advantageous positions. Instructors-mentors and unit commanders with combat experience showed in practice how to correctly move deeper into the trenches and conduct shooting combat.
“Also, training sessions on tactical training, radiation, chemical and biological protection and tactical medicine were conducted with the personnel.”
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 587th day of the full-scale war.
The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine reported that between 24th February 2022 and 3rd October 2023, Russia had lost about 279,440 personnel, 4,732 tanks, 9,008 armoured combat vehicles, 6,565 artillery units, 801 multiple launch rocket systems, 540 air defence systems, 315 warplanes, 316 helicopters, 5,080 drones, 1,529 cruise missiles, 20 warships, 1 submarine, 8,932 motor vehicles and fuel tankers, and 943 units of special equipment.
Russia has claimed that its casualties have been much lower but provides infrequent updates on its latest figures.
The European Union has proposed providing Ukraine with a military aid package worth EUR 5 billion after EU foreign ministers travelled to Kyiv on Monday for a historic meeting.
European Union foreign policy chief Josep Borrell said that EU countries will train 40,000 soldiers and provide fighter pilot training.
Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky has said that his country’s victory depends on cooperation with the EU.
Zelensky was speaking after the US Congress left Ukraine war aid out of a spending bill.
The Pentagon has reportedly warned Congress that it is running low on money to replace weapons sent to Ukraine and has already had to slow down resupplying some troops.
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov has said that he believes that war fatigue and the West will grow.
Ukraine has accused Elon Musk of disseminating Russian propaganda after the billionaire owner of X, formerly known as Twitter, posted a mean of Zelensky with the caption: “When it’s been five minutes and you haven’t asked for a billion dollars in aid.”
Ukrainian presidential aide Mykhaylo Podolyak said: “Any silence or irony towards Ukraine today is a direct encouragement of Russian propaganda that justifies mass violence and destruction.”
Two people have been killed and over 10 have been injured, including two children and a police officer, after Russia shelled Ukraine’s southern region of Kherson overnight, according to regional governor Oleksandr Prokudin.
