General Riho Terras said the Zapad (or ‘West’) exercises that were held last year were used to simulate a large-scale conflict with the US-led alliance as well as to show off Russia’s ability to deploy a large amount of troops at short notice in the event of an outbreak of conflict.
The exercises, which were held in Belarus and the Baltic Sea as well as Kaliningrad between 14-20 September last year, took place to test the response to an attack from militants, according to Russia’ defence ministry.
