Source: CNN
But with tensions in the region high, Russian President Vladimir Putin ordered surprise military exercises Wednesday, state media reported.
The exercises are “to check combat readiness of armed forces in western and central military districts as well as several branches of the armed forces,” Russian Defense Minister Sergey Shoigu was quoted as saying.
Shoigu did not mention Ukraine, which lies to Russia’s west, but the timing of the move has prompted speculation about the motivation.
Ukraine’s Ministry of Defense declined to comment on the exercises since they are on Russian territory.
Russia held at least six snap combat readiness checks of its armed forces last year, the state-run RIA Novosti news agency said.
Categories: Crisis, Europe, Europe and Australia, Russia
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