MOSCOW — Russia’s Defense Ministry announced a surprise military exercise on Feb. 8 that ordered troops garrisoned throughout the nation’s southern region to full combat readiness, a move that appeared intended to unnerve neighbors.
New York Times: Russia announces surprise military drills in south
Russian President Vladimir Putin (R), accompanied by Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu (C), meets with top military officials at the National Defence Control Centre of the Russian Federation in Moscow on Nov. 17.
