Ukrainian Intelligence: Russia is carrying out 'provacative exercises' in the Black Sea region
The Chief Directorate of Intelligence of the Ukrainian Ministry of Defense stated that Russia is carrying out “provocative exercises” in the Black Sea region, Krym.Realii reported.
As reported on the Directorate’s website, “On April 28th, 2016, the Russian Air Forces practiced separate elements of air scout-attack missions against NATO member states in the air space above the Black Sea… Il-20 aircraft carried out an air reconnaissance missions with the aim of detecting and confirming the objectives of state and military infrastructures in Romania, Bulgaria and Turkey… Two Tu-22M3 bomber aircraft of the Long-Range Aviation Command carried out flights from Engels Airbase and practiced flights to the area of operational designation… [which included practicing] bombing surface targets in the territory of Romania, Bulgaria, and Turkey (Bosporus Strait).”
Earlier this week, Russian troops reportedly carried out ground exercises in the Crimea, which focused on capturing military and civil facilities.
Russian authorities have not commented on the reports.