Russia conducts and operability test of its troops stationed in the Southern Military District. Russian media report this with a reference to the country’s Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu. The troops are combat-ready starting from 5 a.m. (4 a.m. Kyiv time), Radio Liberty reports.
The test is carried out among units of airborne troops and military and transport aircraft. The troops are supposed to demonstrate readiness to deter airstrikes and to protect important military objects; the units will also practice fighting terroristic threats.
The respective field exercise will also involve forces of the Central Military District. The General Staff of the Armed Forces will control and supervise the drills.
Russia’s Southern Military District neighbors Ukraine’s eastern border, including the section currently controlled by Kremlin-backed militants. Some units of the Southern district are also located in the Russian-annexed Crimea.
Previosuly, Belarusian Army held large military drills near the state border with Ukraine.
