Russia Carries Out Snap Check Of Paratroopers In Western Russia
MOSCOW Mon Feb 16, 2015 11:02am EST
(Reuters) - Russia's Defense Ministry started a snap inspection of its paratrooper units in western Russia on Monday, Interfax news agency quoted the ministry press office as saying.
Russia has carried out several unannounced military drills since relations with the West deteriorated over the Ukraine crisis, with Moscow criticizing what it says is a build-up of NATO forces near Russia's borders.
Kiev and the West say some of the drills carried out in western Russia near the border with Ukraine have been used to increase pressure on Kiev and show Moscow's support for pro-Russian separatists who took up arms in east Ukraine in April.
Interfax did not report specific troop numbers that would be drilled in Volgograd province, which is in western Russia but does not border Ukraine. The defense ministry said the paratroopers would be tested for their military readiness.
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http://www.reuters.com/article/2015/02/16/us-ukraine-crisis-russia-drill-idUSKBN0LK1FX20150216
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