Support The Moscow Times!

Russia Launches Large-Scale Military Drills in Eastern Siberia

The exercises involving more than 12,000 servicemen aim to “ensure military security in eastern Russia.” Andrei Nikerichev / Moskva News Agency

Russia has launched large-scale military exercises involving more than 12,000 servicemen in eastern Siberia, Interfax reported Monday, citing the Eastern Military District’s press service. 

The drills will involve up to 3,000 weapons and pieces of military equipment, 60 aircraft and helicopters and more than 10 drones. They will be led by the Eastern Military District’s commander, Colonel General Gennady Zhidko. 

Regional commanders “will demonstrate their knowledge and skills in the deployment of troop units to ensure military security in eastern Russia,” the military district’s press service told Interfax. 

A number of “practical stages for practicing troops’ defensive and offensive actions,” including at night, are planned at several ranges in the Zabaikalsky region.

The exercises mark the final stage of the military district’s operational, mobilization and combat training for the winter training period, Interfax cited the press service as saying.

The maneuvers will last until the end of this week.

Sign up for our free weekly newsletter

Our weekly newsletter contains a hand-picked selection of news, features, analysiss and more from The Moscow Times. You will receive it in your mailbox every Friday. Never miss the latest news from Russia. Preview
Subscribers agree to the Privacy Policy

A Message from The Moscow Times:

Dear readers,

We are facing unprecedented challenges. Russia's Prosecutor General's Office has designated The Moscow Times as an "undesirable" organization, criminalizing our work and putting our staff at risk of prosecution. This follows our earlier unjust labeling as a "foreign agent."

These actions are direct attempts to silence independent journalism in Russia. The authorities claim our work "discredits the decisions of the Russian leadership." We see things differently: we strive to provide accurate, unbiased reporting on Russia.

We, the journalists of The Moscow Times, refuse to be silenced. But to continue our work, we need your help.

Your support, no matter how small, makes a world of difference. If you can, please support us monthly starting from just $2. It's quick to set up, and every contribution makes a significant impact.

By supporting The Moscow Times, you're defending open, independent journalism in the face of repression. Thank you for standing with us.

Once
Monthly
Annual
Continue
paiment methods
Not ready to support today?
Remind me later.

Read more