Mobilised Russian Soldiers Practice Night Shooting Skills At Training Grounds Near Kazan

These images purport to show mobilised Russian soldiers practising their night shooting skills and training grounds near the south-western Russian city of Kazan.

The footage shows a group of Russian soldiers lying on their stomachs on the snow-covered ground and firing with assault rifles downrange at mock targets.

The images then cut to the scene as seen from a drone, with the gunfire lighting up the night sky as a flare is launched to show them where to shoot.

The images were obtained from the Russian Ministry of Defence (MoD) on Thursday, 1st December, along with a statement claiming: "The mobilised servicemen at the training ground near Kazan are improving the coordination of actions and individual training when performing night combat firing from regular weapons as part of squads.

"During the exercises, they fire at various types of training targets that imitate enemy manpower and equipment at a distance of 100 to 400 metres. Training of personnel takes place both in the daytime and at night under various weather conditions.

"All activities of the combat training course for the mobilised are planned and are taking into account the experience of a special military operation."

We have not been able to independently verify the claims or the footage.

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The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine reported that between 24th February and 1st December, Russia had lost about 89,440 personnel, 2,915 tanks, 5,877 armoured combat vehicles, 1,904 artillery units, 395 multiple launch rocket systems, 210 air defence systems, 280 warplanes, 261 helicopters, 1,562 drones, 531 cruise missiles, 16 warships, 4,441 motor vehicles and fuel tankers, and 163 units of special equipment.

Russia has claimed that its casualties have been much lower but provides infrequent updates on its latest figures.

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Kuleba has also said that Ukraine needs US-made Patriot missile defence systems to protect civilian infrastructure, which is under heavy attack from Russia.

He added that he would be looking into the issue with the German government. The comments come after former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev warned NATO against providing Ukraine with the systems.

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The tribunal would be set up by the European Union and backed by the United Nations.

Von der Leyen said: “We are ready to start working with the international community to get the broadest international support possible for this specialised court.”

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