Large-scale Western military drills begin near Russian border

Major ground exercises dubbed Karelian Sword are beginning in Finland near Russia’s border.

The manoeuvres are taking place in the regions of Kymenlaakso, South Karelia and South Savo, Caliber.Az reports via Russian media.

Around 10,000 troops, including personnel from the United Kingdom and the United States, as well as 1,500 pieces of military equipment, are taking part in the exercises. The drills will also include training flights by Finnish defence forces and allied aircraft.

Karelian Sword is set to continue until May 29.

Media reports on May 2 said that Finland had launched the Northern Strike artillery exercises. The drills were held at the Vuosanka training area in the municipality of Kuhmo, approximately 70 kilometres from the Russian border. The exercise, which ran until May 12, involved around 640 troops.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has repeatedly maintained that Moscow has no intention of attacking NATO member states, either now or in the future.

 By Aghakazim Guliyev