WATCH: Putin's soldiers conduct underwater weapons test as global conflict fears increase
FOOTAGE has emerged of Vladimir Putin's special forces preparing for war just days after Russian warships were seen sailing past the British Isles.
Russian troops open fire using underwater machine guns
The video starts with Russian soldiers preparing for a military drill as they sail through the sea on a small dinghy.
Two soldiers can be seen zipping up their scuba gear, with the camera zooming in on huge knives strapped to the soldiers’ legs.
A Russian military drill was filmed and put online
One of the soldiers, dressed in full scuba gear, falls backwards into the choppy waters and practices shooting a gun while on the surface.
The Russian militant then dives under the water and begins to shoot the weapon into the sea.
He is then joined by another commando who also practices firing off rounds while submerged.
The Russian troops are seen strapping a knife to their legs
The video has emerged just days after Putin's aircraft carrier, believed to be the Admiral Kuznetsov, was seen sailing off the coast of Dover.
HMS Richmond and HMS Duncan tracked the Russian warship as it sailed just 10 miles away from British shores.
Admiral Kuznetsov sailed around 10 miles away from British shores
Downing Street slapped down any suggestion it was "weak" for allowing the warship to pass so close to British shores.
A Number 10 spokesman told the Mirror: “I would reject suggestions that the Russians feel we’re too weak. Clearly we are not weak at all."
Tensions between Britain and Moscow have increased dramatically in recent months.
The soldiers can be seen shooting underwater
Boris Johnson has suggested sanctions should be "considered" against Russia after suggestions the former Soviet nation could be guilty of war crimes in Syria.
The Foreign Secretary made the comments on a formal visit to Turkey, where he said Russia was in danger of breaching international regulation.