Moscow. June 9. INTERFAX-The control check of the Russian Armed Forces was carried out this spring in accordance with international standards and in a planned mode, but for some reason it frightened Western countries, Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu said.
"I would like to note that all the events were carried out according to the plan and in accordance with international agreements. Nevertheless, for some reason, they greatly frightened our Western neighbors, " Shoigu said at a meeting of the public council under the Russian Defense Ministry on Wednesday.
He said that 35 thousand weapons, military and special equipment, 180 ships and boats, about 900 aircraft, including long-range and military transport aircraft, were involved in the inspection.
More than 4 thousand classes, trainings and exercises of various scales were held at 101 training grounds. The checked associations and connections carried out regrouping at distances over 3,5 thousand kilometers, the minister said.
On April 6, the Russian Defense Ministry announced the beginning of a control check in the Armed Forces for the winter training period with maneuvers in all military districts. Then the Russian Defense Ministry said that during April, 4048 exercises of various scales will be held.
The United States and European countries have expressed concern about the strengthening of the military group in Crimea and the movement of Russian troops near the border with Ukraine.
Russia urged not to consider the maneuvers of the Armed Forces near the border with Ukraine as a manifestation of aggression, they do not threaten anyone, Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said on April 15.
On April 22, the main stage of the exercise of the troops of the Southern Military District and the Airborne Troops of the Russian Federation took place in the Crimea. The maneuvers, according to the Russian Defense Ministry, involved more than 10 thousand military personnel, 1.2 thousand units of weapons and military equipment, more than 40 warships and 20 support vessels.
