A leaked video shows how an ice hockey rink has been installed by the Russian army inside the world's largest military plane - reportedly for a new stunt by Vladimir Putin.

The giant An-124 aircraft is seen flying over Russia in a rehearsal for a record-breaking game 33,000 feet in the air in June.

The hulking Ruslan aircraft was converted into a flying ice arena at Migalovo military airfield near Tver.

Video footage shows four people wearing full kit playing ice hockey inside the military plane.

One player appears to be off to a rocky start as he slips on the ice and falls to the ground.

A source told 360TV: 'There is large scale preparation for the annual Day of Military-Transport Aviation, which will be on 1 June.

'The military wants to get into Guinness World Records by holding the first proper hockey match in the air.'

The aim is that Putin and his defence minister Sergei Shoigu will 'take part'.

Telegram channel Podyom said that initially the idea was seen as a 'joke' but military transport troops were then told to prepare the giant Antonov plane for the sky clash.

Putin, 68, is known to be a big ice hockey fan, and plays regularly with his officials and Russian tycoons.

The defence ministry has not commented on the reports.