The Russian sniper rifle that's striking the right Kord with both sides in Ukraine

Ukrainian forces are being targeted with a powerful Russian sniper rifle – the 12.7mm ASVK-M Kord – and it packs quite a punch.

It's said to be capable of breaching brick walls and concrete up to 15cm thick, as well as light armoured vehicles, from 1.5km away.

Its maker, the Degtyaryov Plant in the town of Kovrov, claim it's lighter and superior to other foreign equivalents like the Barrett M82 .50 calibre rifle.

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A sophisticated muzzle brake, alloys and ammunition ensure recoil is limited to the minimum, and accuracy is also aided by a free-floating barrel.

This bullpup-configured, bolt-action, magazine-fed rifle was first fielded with Russian special forces in 2017.

Now Ukrainian forces are using captured ones to turn the tables on Russia's so-called special military operation.

The rifle has a standard Russian side-mounted scope rail that can be fitted with variety of day and night optics.

Open sights can also be used as a back-up.

On one training exercise a sniper and spotter were seen zeroing in on a captured Ukrainian vehicle, with simulated targets placed inside.

The first shot was fired from 1,200 metres, penetrating the armoured vehicle.

Another video seen by BFBS Forces News shows a sniper with Russian airborne forces on an active operation against a Ukrainian position, providing cover for machine gun crews and assault squads.

He boasts about the rifle he's using being the best in the world.