Great Russian maneuvers: a “surprise” exercise that is not surprising

(BRUSSELS2) The Russian armed forces have just decided on a " sudden inspection " But " comprehensive combat readiness of the troops » of the Western and Central Military Region. All regions bordering Ukraine.

Total coincidence surely. " By order of the President of the Russian Federation, Vladimir Putin, Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, (...) the troops of the Western Military District, and all military units (like those) of the Central Military District were mobilized for this "surprise" exercise. " Aerospace defense, airborne troops, military transport aircraft are also in the game. These maneuvers will involve “150.000 members of the armed forces, up to 90 aircraft, more than 120 helicopters, 880 tanks, more than 1.200 military vehicles and up to 80 ships”.

In parallel, bilateral tactical exercises will be held with formations and military units of the Northern Fleet and the Baltic. Part of the air forces of the Air Force and the 1st Air Defense Command will be transferred to operational airfields. Objective : " test the ability of troops to react to crisis situations threatening the military security of the country, such as anti-terrorism acts, a health and epidemiological or man-made crisis ". This exercise will continue until March 3. And the forces will be back in their barracks” on March 7 “says the press release from the Ministry of Defense.

But the Minister of Defence, General Sergei Shoigu, heard to prevent any deviation. " During the exercise, strict compliance with security requirements, the safety of weapons and ammunition (will be ensured) in order to exclude any damage to state, private property and take measures to prevent negative impacts on the environment ". We are reassured!