Russia Conducts 2,500 Military Exercises Near Ukrainian Border

JAKARTA – Tension at the border Ukraine with Russia shows no signs of ending. Throughout 2021, Ukraine noted Russia had done thousands military training in the area.

“In 2021, Russia will conduct 2,500 military exercises near the border with Ukraine, strengthening the readiness of its troops to engage in new military operations on Ukrainian soil,” Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba said in a written statement sent by Second Secretary of the Ukrainian Embassy Svitlana Kovtun to Sindonews, Friday (12/31/2021).

Kuleba said the exercise included the use of troops, artillery, anti-tank weapons, reconnaissance units and techniques.

Not only that, Russia also maintains 30 ships and landing craft as part of the Black Sea Fleet to increase attack and landing capabilities.

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“Russian forces control the Kerch Strait, interfere with international navigation in the Black Sea, and hinder the passage of ships to the Sea of ​​Azov,” Kuleba said.

“Russia is also provoking NATO air and naval units in the Black Sea,” he continued.

Kuleba also revealed that Russia continues to send troops to the border with Ukraine. The latest on Thursday (30/12/2021) where as many as 52 battalions of tactical groups have been deployed near Ukrainian territory.

“The total number of troops along the border, and in the occupied Donbas and Crimea stands at 126,000 troops, which includes 105,000 troops present on the ground and 21,000 as naval and air components,” Kuleba said.

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