President Putin: The largest military exercise in history was initially successful

Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu and Russian President Vladimir Putin attend the exercise (from left to right). Photo: TASS

"The main stages of the exercise have been completed at a high level. All units have successfully fulfilled their assigned tasks. The demonstrated military skills demonstrate the ability to respond to potential military threats," President Putin affirmed.

According to the Russian leader, the exercises in this exercise are the first large-scale test for the army. The exercise involves about 300,000 servicemen and tens of thousands of pieces of modern weapons and military equipment.

"From the smallest details of weapons, to the main combat-ready forces of the army, the preparation of command and control bodies and their interaction and coordination are thoroughly checked," President Putin commented.

Not only did he praise the Russian soldiers, the Kremlin leader also expressed special gratitude to the servicemen from China and Mongolia - who also participated in this military exercise.

"They are brothers, with a tradition of fighting together with the Russian army against a common enemy since World War II. And I believe that today and in the future, the armies of the three countries will work together to maintain security and stability in the Eurasian region," said President Putin.

Emphasizing the important tasks of the military, President Putin stated that Russia will continue to develop a strong armed force to protect the country's sovereignty and support its allies when necessary; at the same time, promote international military cooperation. Mr. Putin expressed his confidence that Russian soldiers and officers clearly understand their responsibilities and are determined to successfully carry out the great tasks set.

President Putin also emphasized that Russia is a peace-loving country, which "does not and will never have plans for military provocations". "Russia's foreign policy is to cooperate with all countries that share the same ideals and goals" - President Putin emphasized. That is why the "Vostok 2018" exercise has the participation of 87 observers from 59 countries around the world.

The Vostok 2018 exercise took place in 9 territories and seas in the Russian Far East and some neighboring seas in the Pacific Ocean from September 11 to 17. The Vostok 2018 exercise involved about 300,000 Russian soldiers, more than 1,000 aircraft, helicopters and airborne combat vehicles, 36,000 tanks, armored personnel carriers, and 80 warships of various types.