Russia to hold military drills near Ukraine borderApril 24, 2014 - 18:16 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu announced Thursday, April 24, that Russia will conduct military drills in response to the situation in Ukraine’s southeast, where the new authorities launched a special operation to suppress pro-Russian activists. “We are forced to react,” Shoigu said, according to RIA Novosti. “Starting today, exercises of battalion tactical groups from the Southern and Western military districts will begin near the border with Ukraine,” he said. The troops will hold marching rehearsals and exercise deployments for performing assigned tasks, the Defense Minister said. Shoigu also added that “aircraft will do fly-bys close to the state border.” A gunfight broke out between unidentified gunmen and local federalists near the eastern Ukrainian city of Slaviansk on Thursday. At least five people were killed as result of the crackdown, which Russian Putin Vladimir Putin described as a “grave crime,” according to RIA Novosti. The Security Service of Ukraine announced Wednesday that the military operation launched by Ukrainian authorities earlier this month against protesters in eastern Ukraine had again entered an active phase, following a temporary suspension after an agreement reached in Geneva last week. Protesters in Kharkiv, Donetsk, Gorlovka, Slaviansk and Kramatorsk refuse to recognize the legitimacy of the current Ukrainian government and are urging interim authorities to hold referendums similar to the one held in Crimea last month, which led to the republic's unification with Russia. Top stories Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". The earthquake caused a temporary blackout, damaged many buildings and closed a number of rural roads. Partner news | Titus, Bilirakis lead legislation to sanction Azerbaijani war criminals Representatives Dina Titus (D-NV) and Gus Bilirakis (R-FL) have introduced the bipartisan legislation. Armenia: Defense Ministry warns against involving army in political processes The Ministry’s statement came after a video surfaced online, showing soldiers joining the protests in Tavush. Scholz hopes Armenia-Azerbaijan peace treaty will be signed this year German Chancellor Olaf Scholz hopes that a peace treaty between Armenia and Azerbaijan will be signed this year. Ucom equips four bus stops in Ijevan with free Wi-Fi Ucom now provides free Wi-Fi coverage in smart bus stops in four communities of Ijevan. |