Putin and Lukashenko complete observation of military exercises

Russian President Vladimir Putin and his Belarusian counterpart Alexander Lukashenko have completed their observation of the military exercises of the strategic deterrence forces. This was announced on Saturday, February 19, by Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov.

It is noted that the heads of state observed the progress of the maneuvers from the situational center of the Kremlin. Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu reported to the Russian leader that the exercises were carried out launches of hypersonic missiles “Zirkon” and “Dagger”, writes TASS.

It is noted that the Northern and Black Sea Fleets, as well as the Aerospace Forces (VKS) of the Russian Federation and the Strategic Missile Forces are participating in military exercises.

Earlier that day, it was reported that the planned exercise of the strategic deterrence forces will be held under the leadership of Vladimir Putin. It was noted that the maneuvers were planned to test the readiness of military command and control agencies, launch combat crews, crews of warships and strategic missile carriers to carry out assigned tasks, as well as the reliability of weapons of strategic nuclear and non-nuclear forces.

Also on Saturday, the flagship of the Black Sea Fleet, the guards missile cruiser Moskva, carried out artillery firing in the Black Sea as part of the naval exercises. According to the Navy, the artillery systems were used to repel an air attack by a mock enemy who was trying to launch a missile attack on the bases of the fleet forces.

On February 12, it was reported that more than 30 ships were taking part in the large-scale exercises of the Russian Black Sea Fleet that had begun. It was noted that the purpose of the exercises is to work out the defense of the sea coast of Crimea, the Black Sea Fleet’s bases, as well as the country’s economic facilities and sea communications from possible military threats of a mock enemy.