Around 60 Russian paratroopers have staged a mutiny and refused to fight in Ukraine, local reports say.

The men, who were from key airborne forces headquarters Pskov in northern Russia, could now face jail sentences for the insubordination.

The refusenik troops had been moved to Belarus as part of the invasion force but after their mutiny were sent in disgrace back to their base in Pskov.

Some have been dismissed and branded ‘cowards’ while others are set to face the Russian equivalent of a court martial with likely jail sentences.

Defence minister Sergei Shoigu is reported to have sent one of his deputies to Pskov to handle the insubordination.