YEREVAN. – The Russian Federation (RF) MOD subdivisions and military units have commenced large-scale exercises within the framework of testing the combat-readiness of the RF Western and Central Military Okrugs (districts).     

The aforesaid military drills are conducted with the instruction of RF President Vladimir Putin.

“Several subdivisions and military units have been ordered to move more than a thousand kilometers,” Interfax news agency reports citing the RF MOD press service.     

Close to 150,000 military servicemen from the RF Armed Forces are taking part in the maneuvers. In addition, 90 aircrafts, more than 120 helicopters, about 880 tanks, more than 1,200 units of military hardware, and up to 80 ships will be used.   

RF Minister of Defence Sergey Shoygu, however, stressed that the military exercises near the country’s border with Ukraine are in no way connected with the current political situation in Ukraine, and that these drills are solely aimed at testing the combat-readiness of the Russian troops.

The said military exercises are held between Wednesday and March 3.