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A couple of Russian Army helicopters fly over the Monument to Scuttled Ships, during a promotional campaign for contract service for Russian Army in Sevastopol, Crimea, Saturday, Dec. 20 / AP

Russian President Vladimir Putin ordered the exercises to examine the ability of southern troops “to deploy promptly self-sufficient forces to localize crisis situations,” the Wall Street Journal reported. The Defense Ministry will also test the preparedness of forces in the western and central regions to deliver support to the southeast. The drills will continue through Aug. 31.

The exercises come as tensions between Ukraine and Russia worsen. Putin accused Kiev earlier this month of using “terror” tactics after killing two service members in Crimea.

Russia last week deployed tens of thousands of troops to newly built military bases on the Ukrainian border. The Kremlin said the move is part of a military strategy to counter perceived threats from the North Atlantic Treaty Organization.


Russia plans to hold large-scale military drills in Crimea next month. Military analysts said Russian-Ukrainian tensions are at the highest point since a February 2015 ceasefire agreement brokered in Minsk.

Full article: Russian Troops Prepare Snap Military Drills on Ukrainian Border (Washington Free Beacon)













