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This footage reportedly shows Russian and Chinese navy warships taking part in war games in the Sea of Japan (also known as the East Sea) and firing ordnance at targets.
The footage, obtained on Sunday, September 4, shows multiple naval vessels belonging to Russia and China taking part in the military exercises in the Sea of Japan. They can be seen opening fire at mock targets.
The footage appears to show Russian soldiers throwing a red and white buoy overboard, which is then used as target practice.
Helicopters can be seen performing landing maneuvers and moving vessels, while other footage, obtained on September 2, apparently filmed from a helicopter, shows the fleet of Navy vessels in formation.
The images were obtained from the Russian Ministry of Defense (MoD) on September 2 and on September 4, along with a statement saying: "The warships of the Pacific Fleet (Pacific Fleet) and the Navy of the People's Liberation Army of China (PLA) conducted artillery firing at surface targets as part of the strategic command and staff exercise (SKSHU) Vostok-2022.
"According to the plan of the exercise, the Russian-Chinese detachment discovered a tactical group of ships of a mock enemy in the sea and entered into an artillery battle with them. To destroy surface targets, universal shipborne artillery mounts were used. The forces of the imaginary enemy were designated by a group of large landing ships of the Pacific Fleet, in fact, artillery fire was carried out at the naval target shield."
There has been speculation that diplomatic relations between Russia and China are improving amid Russia's ongoing war in Ukraine.
Zenger News contacted the Russian MoD for further comment, as well as the Ukrainian Ministry of Defense, but had not received a reply at the time of writing.
Russia invaded Ukraine on February 24 in what the Kremlin is still calling a "special military operation." Tuesday marks the 195th day of the war.
The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine reported that between February 24 and September 5, Russia had lost about 49,800 personnel, 2,068 tanks, 4,459 armored combat vehicles, 1,157 artillery units, 294 multiple launch rocket systems, 156 air defense systems, 236 warplanes, 206 helicopters, 867 drones, 205 cruise missiles, 15 warships, 3,286 motor vehicles and fuel tankers, and 107 units of special equipment.
Russia has said that its casualties have been much lower but provides infrequent updates on its latest figures.
Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Sunday that Ukraine had made progress in its counteroffensive against Russian forces, retaking two settlements in the south of the country and the third one in eastern Ukraine.
Zelensky said: "The Ukrainian flags are returning to the places where they should be by right."
This story was provided to Newsweek by Zenger News.
