Ukraine conducts large-scale military exercises in the Azov Sea
The naval Armed Forces of Ukraine, executing the decision of the National Security Council, conducted military exercises in the Azov Sea, as reported on the website of the Ministry of Defense.
“Comprehensive tactical exercises of various military forces defending a section of the coast are designed to test the readiness of the Ukrainian army and other branches of the military to respond to Russian aggression in the Azov Sea,” reads the statement.
The military exercises included the Marine Corps, coastal artillery, army aviation and tanks from the Naval Forces as well as ground troops. The National Guard and State Border Service also participated in close coordination with the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
In total, 600 troops and 150 units of equipment were involved in the exercises.
The event was attended by President of Ukraine Petro Poroshenko, Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council Oleksandr Turchynov, Defense Minister Stepan Poltorak, the leadership of the General Staff and Defense department.
“I inspected the complex tactical exercises of our forces defending the coast. Our military personnel are ready to repel Russian aggression from the direction of the Azov Sea. The commanders are able to plan and effectively manage various military branches involved in the military activity on land, in the sea, or in the air,” wrote Poroshenko on his Facebook page.