The Russian army is conducting major military exercises in the Southern Military District and in Belarus, and is preparing to begin maneuvers in the Mediterranean and Black Seas. All this is happening against the backdrop of a crisis in relations with neighboring Ukraine and Western countries that suspect Moscow of preparing for war, BBC reports.
Exercises in southern Russia are taking place at 15 military training grounds in eight Russian regions, as well as in the unrecognized republics of Abkhazia and South Ossetia.
In Russia, the troops will operate in the Volgograd Region, Stavropol Territory, Adygea, Chechnya, Dagestan, Karachay-Cherkessia, North Ossetia, and Ingushetia.
In addition, the Marine Corps exercises are taking place in Crimea, which was annexed by Russia in 2014. RIA Novosti reports with reference to the press service of the Black Sea Fleet that defense of the coast from landing forces is being worked out in Crimea.
Large-scale exercises ‘Allied Resolve-2022’ continue in Belarus. So far, they are in the stage of deployment of troops, but on February 10, the active phase will begin.
In addition, since January 20, a series of major exercises has been taking place on all four fleets of the Russian Navy and the Caspian Flotilla. The Russian Defense Ministry reported that 140 ships and vessels, as well as over 10,000 military personnel, are participating in them.
