Category: Russian Defense Ministry

Ships En Route to Ukrainian Seaports to Be Considered Hostile, Moscow Warns

As of July 20, Russia will consider all maritime vessels en route to Ukrainian Black Sea ports as potentially carrying military cargoes, the Russian Defense Ministry has said. The announcement comes two days after Moscow withdrew from the Black Sea Grain Initiative, which had allowed Ukraine to export grain—despite ongoing hostilities—through the Black Sea. “Given…


Russia Orders Troops Back After Massive Drills in Crimea

MOSCOW—Russia’s defense minister on Thursday ordered troops back to their permanent bases following massive drills in Crimea that involved dozens of navy ships, hundreds of warplanes, and thousands of troops in a show of force amid tensions with Ukraine. After watching the drills, Russian Defense Minister Shoigu declared the maneuvers over and ordered the military…


Russia Orders Troop Pullback, but Keeps Weapons Near Ukraine

MOSCOW—Russia’s defense minister on Thursday ordered troops back to their permanent bases following massive drills amid tensions with Ukraine, but said they should leave their weapons behind in western Russia for another exercise later this year. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky welcomed the Russian pullback along their border. After watching the drills, Russian Defense Minister Sergei…