Russia carries out military exercise in Crimea

Russian Armed Forces have carried out a military exercise, transferring troops and equipment to the Crimean peninsula from the mainland, authorities said on Friday.

The exercise involved vessels of the Black Sea Fleet, including the large landing ship Tsezar Kunikov, diesel-electric submarine Stary Oskol, several mine sweeping ships and missile cruisers, as well as railway trains and river vessels, Xinhua news agency reported citing an official statement.

The troops participating in the drill also rehearsed destructing groups of saboteurs and repelling a submarine attack.

Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu inspected the units participating in the drills in the port of Novorossiysk.

The exercise was part of a larger logistic troops drill, which started on Tuesday in Russia, with 2,500 troops and around 350 vehicles involved, the Defence Ministry said.

Crimea was incorporated into Russia in 2014 following a referendum, which was recognised by Moscow but rejected by Ukraine.

The Russian Federal Security Service said last week that it had prevented a series of terrorist attacks in Crimea and accused Ukraine of masterminding them.

Kiev denied the accusation but both the countries enhanced military readiness at the border.