Russia launches new military drills as tensions rise over Ukraine

Russia on Tuesday launched new military exercises near Ukraine and in annexed Crimea as it accused the United States of ratcheting up tensions by putting several thousand of its own troops on alert.   

With the West already accusing Moscow of massing more than 100,000 soldiers on the Ukrainian border, the Russian military said it had launched drills involving 6,000 troops in the south and in the Crimean peninsula annexed by Moscow in 2014.   

The drills involve combat firing exercises with fighter jets, bombers, anti-aircraft systems and ships from the Black Sea and Caspian fleets, the ministry said.   

The West is accusing Russia of preparing a potential invasion of pro-Western Ukraine and tensions with Moscow have reached levels not seen since the Cold War.   

After a long video call with European leaders on Monday, US President Joe Biden said there was “total unanimity” on how to deal with Russia, with officials warning again of severe consequences if Moscow invades.   

The Pentagon said it had put 8,500 troops on standby for deployment in support of NATO, while the alliance said it was sending ships and jets to bolster eastern Europe’s defences.   

President Vladimir Putin’s spokesman Dmitry Peskov said US moves were adding to an already tense atmosphere.   

 “The United States is escalating tensions,” he told reporters. “We are watching these US actions with great concern.” Russia denies it has any plans to invade Ukraine, where as well as seizing Crimea it has backed separatist forces in two breakaway regions.
MOSCOW AFP, 25 Jan, 2022