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On Wednesday, Russia held military manoeuvres in the Black Sea, south of Ukraine, saying it needed to improve the combat preparedness of its conventional and nuclear weapons in response to increased NATO activities near its borders.
Ukraine, which has warned it believes Russia is planning an invasion with the help of its ally the US, has performed its own drills near the Belarusian border.
Despite Russia’s denial of aggressive intent and western intelligence sources telling Reuters that no invasion is imminent, both sides have increased military activity in recent weeks, raising the potential of war between the two neighbours.
The United States and NATO have demonstrated their support for Ukraine in ways that Moscow regards as provocative, such as military drills in the Black Sea this month and the supply of US patrol boats to the Ukrainian navy.
During military manoeuvres on Wednesday in the Black Sea, Russian fighter jets and ships simulated repelling air attacks on naval stations and reacting with air strikes, according to Interfax.
Separately, the news agency quoted Russian defence minister Sergei Shoigu as stating that “complex military and political conditions in the globe, as well as the increased activities of Nato nations along Russia’s borders,” dictated the need for Russia to significantly expand its armed forces.
He stated that improving the armed forces’ capabilities, supporting nuclear forces’ combat readiness, and bolstering non-nuclear deterrence potential were among the top goals.
