President Vladimir Putin has visited Russia's largest military exercise since the collapse of the Soviet Union, involving 300,000 troops, including forces from China and Mongolia. The manoeuvres, described as provocative by Western observers, showcase Moscow's growing military capabilities.
Despite the massive display of force, Putin insisted Russia remains a peaceful nation with no aggressive intentions. He stressed the importance of being prepared for any potential threats and pledged to further enhance the country's armed forces.
The war games come amid heightened tensions with NATO, following recent incidents such as a Russian frigate firing warning shots near a British yacht in the English Channel and a drone strike on a Romanian apartment block. The Kremlin has framed the exercises as a routine readiness check.
