Putin orders military drill in western Russia
普京下令军队在西部进行演习

Russian President Vladimir Putin has ordered an urgent drill to test the combat readiness of his armed forces across western Russia. It’s being seen by some as "military muscle flexing" by Moscow, amid the highly charged political tension in Ukraine.

Interfax news agency is quoting Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu... who says forces of the Western Military District were put"on alert" on Wednesday. Russia insists the drill is NOT linked to events in Ukraine, and was already scheduled to take place.

Around 150, 000 military personnel will be involved in the drill, which will be conducted in two stages, ending on March 3rd.Russia’s Air and Space Defense forces, paratroops and long-range aviation forces will all be taking part.

];5IoC|)sR~vjg8GSnBuuXCJG,4wF=*ABG)7V(_c]-HMJ#u3B