A large-scale Russian military exercise that has spooked western countries has entered its final phase, with helicopters, fighter jets, missiles and tanks employed at a firing range close to Russia’s border with the EU. Vladimir Putin was among those watching the 45-minute display of firepower on a cold and rainy Monday afternoon at the Luga firing range, about 70 miles (113km) from the border with EU member state Estonia. Facebook Twitter Pinterest Putin observes the Zapad 2017 military exercise. However, Baltic states point to the 2013 Zapad exercises that came shortly before the annexation of Crimea and intervention in East Ukraine. Earlier on Monday, the Russian military said Sukhoi Su-24 bombers practised a strike on ground targets in difficult weather conditions, dropping 250kg bombs on simulated enemy fortifications.

Source: The Guardian September 18, 2017 15:24 UTC