Russia’s Military Starts Massive ‘Combat Readiness’ Inspection as Ukraine Tensions Soar

Ukrainian servicemen work on their tank close to the front line with Russian-backed separatists near Lysychansk, Lugansk region, on April 7, 2021. STR/AFP via Getty Images

Russia’s military is beginning a “combat readiness” inspection as tensions between the Kremlin and Ukraine have escalated in recent weeks.

“In accordance with the plan for the training of the armed forces, control checks have begun in the military administration bodies, formations, and military units,” Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu said in a meeting at the Defense Ministry on April 6. “The troops went to the training grounds for tactical, tactical-special, and bilateral exercises.”