Advertisement

Russian military announces military drills in response to Ukraine's anti-terror operation

Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu announced Thursday that the Russian military will be conducting drills near the border with Ukraine in response to the Ukrainian government's decision to renew its anti-terror operations against pro-Russian militants.

By JC Finley
Russian military cadets march during the Victory Day parade to on the Red Square in Moscow, on May 9, 2012. (UPI)
Russian military cadets march during the Victory Day parade to on the Red Square in Moscow, on May 9, 2012. (UPI) | License Photo

MOSCOW, April 24 (UPI) -- The Russian military announced Thursday that it will be undertaking military drills in response to Ukraine's renewed anti-terror operations against pro-Russian militants in eastern Ukraine.

Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu said Thursday, "Starting today, exercises of battalion tactical groups from the Southern and Western military districts will begin near the borders with Ukraine," and "aircraft will do fly-bys close to the state border."

Advertisement

Also on Thursday, Ukrainian security forces killed five pro-Russian separatists at three checkpoints near the eastern Ukrainian city of Slovyansk. Ukrainian security forces, local protesters, and pro-Russian militants have increasingly clashed in eastern Ukraine.

Latest Headlines