Sergei Shoigu
Putin Orders Russian Troops to Withdraw from Ukraine's Border
Russian President Vladimir Putin has ordered that 40 000 soldiers pull back from the border with Ukraine, the country's Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu reported.
Russia's Black Sea Fleet to Have 30 New Ships by 2020
The Russian Black Sea Fleet is to receive 30 new warships under a naval construction program by 2020, according to Admiral Viktor Chirkov, Commander-in-chief of the Russian Navy.
Russia's Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu earlier estimated that more than USD 2.3 B will be put aside for the renovation.
Russia Starts Military Drills over Situation in Ukraine
The Russian army has started military drills in response to the situation in the southeast of Ukraine, its Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu said on Thursday.
The exercises are to be carried out at the country's border with Ukraine, where "balance of forces is uneven", as Shoigu was quoted by Interfax news agency as saying.