Russia has put its Pacific fleet on alert. This was done as part of a surprise inspection, state media reported on Friday, citing Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu. The main objective is to increase the armed forces’ power to fend off attacks from the sea.
Shoigu explained that an accompanying military exercise will train defenses against an attempted enemy landing in the southern Kuril Islands and Sakhalin Island. According to Chief of Staff Valeri Gerasimov, the maneuver will be carried out in three phases: from mobilizing the troops and abandoning the ships to simulated combat operations.
Dozens of ships are participating in the exercise
The flagship of the Russian Pacific Fleet is the missile cruiser Varyag. In addition, three frigates and about 60 smaller warships and landing ships, as well as about 20 submarines, including nuclear submarines, are in service. Parts of the air and missile forces and supply units will also participate in the exercise.
Disputed islands as targets
According to Schoigus, the units must be better prepared for a possible attack. The foreign military attachés were informed of the purpose of the exercise. The sudden maneuver is explosive not only because of Moscow’s already tense relations with the West due to Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine, but also because of the said enemy targets, including the southern Kuril Islands. Since the end of World War II, there has been a dispute between Russia and neighboring Japan over the four southernmost islands of the Kuril Islands. To date, this conflict has prevented the signing of a peace treaty by both nations.
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
