You're reading: Express.co.uk: Putin sends thousands of troops to Crimea in show of strength to NATO

Russia’s annexation of Crimea in 2014 sparked international outrage as Putin sought to control the region and expand Russia’s sphere of influence. The disputed territory then voted overwhelmingly to join Moscow in a referendum, but the US and its allies contested the vote. Since then, Putin has flexed his military might in the crucial region on numerous occasions – but the latest military drill represents one of the largest in the area in recent times.

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