This is the terrifying moment a Russian paratrooper plunges to his death after he jumped from a plane and his parachute failed to open.

According to The Sun of UK, the 41-year-old veteran leapt from the plane flying at nearly 2000ft (600m) above the ground during a display to celebrate Airborne Forces Day, Russian media reported.

Horrifying footage captures the elite soldier’s parachute failing to inflate and the man twisting desperately in the air as he falls.

The paratrooper attempted to activate his reserve parachute but the distance to the ground was too short for it to expand in time to save his life, according to Visegrád 24.

The tragedy unfolded near Moscow on Sunday, when Russia observes a military holiday honouring the nation’s paratroopers.

An image of the aftermath of the horrific accident shows a white parachute spread across the grass and the soldier’s body blurred out.

Airborne Forces Day is celebrated on August 2 in Russia and commemorates the role of paratroopers during military operations.

The celebration comes as Vladimir Putin continues his brutal invasion of Ukraine.