Russia conducts large-scale military exercises in parallel with NATO.

On June 10, the Russian army began large-scale exercises in the Kaliningrad province under the command of the commander of the Western Military District. These exercises took place simultaneously with NATO exercises in Latvia.

The US Navy ship Vella Gulf is present in the Black Sea as part of NATO's strategy to strengthen its presence in Eastern Europe - Photo: Reuters

According to Itar-Tass, the exercise involved the Baltic Fleet, airborne troops, and the air force.

In addition, naval fleets, paratrooper and marine units, air defense units, Su-34 fighter-bombers, Mi-24 helicopters, and Tu-22M3 bombers were also present.

The Russian Defense Ministry said the number of soldiers and military equipment participating in the Kaliningrad exercises was equivalent to NATO's Saber Strike exercise.

The simulated exercise scenario involved protecting the Russian border, maritime traffic, and searching for and destroying enemy submarines. Air defense units of the Baltic Fleet and aerospace defense forces ensured air defense for the exercise areas at sea and at the military bases.

Military transport aircraft delivered and parachuted troops, after which paratroopers, along with Baltic Fleet marines, repelled enemy amphibious landings and surrounded and destroyed illegal enemy armed units. The paratrooper and marine operations were supported by Su-34 fighter-bombers and Mi-24 helicopters, while Tu-22M3 long-range bombers conducted patrol flights over the Baltic Sea.

Also yesterday, NATO opened a military exercise in Latvia involving the armed forces of 10 member countries. The exercise, codenamed Saber Strike, involves 4,700 soldiers and 800 military vehicles and will last until June 20th. Prior to this, on May 6th, NATO also held a record-breaking exercise in Latvia with 6,000 soldiers.

Russia has long strongly opposed NATO's eastward expansion and asserts that Ukraine's desire for an alliance with the West has compelled Moscow to respond. Meanwhile, the West accuses Russia of interfering in Ukraine to maintain its traditional influence.

Yesterday, June 9th, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Vladimir Titov declared that Moscow considers NATO's expansion of operations near Russia's borders as "an act of hostile intent" and will take military measures in retaliation.

"NATO's deployment of military power near Russia's borders is a manifestation of hostile intentions," Interfax quoted Titov as saying. He argued that NATO's deployment of forces in central Eastern Europe violated the agreement between Russia and NATO.

"We will be forced to take the necessary political and military measures to ensure Russia's security," Titov emphasized. Also yesterday, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov declared that NATO's eastward expansion is "counterproductive."

According to the Voice of Russia, Ukrainian troops continued shelling the town of Slaviansk yesterday. Earlier, newly elected President Petro Poroshenko declared that fighting in eastern Ukraine must end this week.

According to Hanoi Moi Online