The Russian Defense Ministry has begun the second phase of military exercises in the Leningrad region. These exercises involve non-combat naval forces and non-military units, specifically testing the application of “Iskander” missiles. Their objective is to receive special tactical equipment and ensure troop movement using artificial bridges and crossing positions for deployment.

The exercises also include amphibious assault ships of the navy, which receive naval fire support and carry out landing operations.

The second phase of the exercises, which already concluded, involved Belarusian reservists. There are a total of three phases. The first phase took place in the North Caucasus military district and aimed to clarify the boundaries between Russia, Ukraine, and Poland. It lasted for three weeks, starting on May 21. The exercises are being carried out under the order of Russian President Vladimir Putin to safeguard the state border and territorial integrity of the commonwealth.

These joint exercises of tactical units are in response to the Russian side’s announcement of preliminary measures for the possible deployment of troops to the Ukrainian border. Dmitry Peskov, the press secretary of the president, emphasized the need for “special attention and special means” to address this escalation of tension.