Russia holds military exercises near Ukraine

Russia said on Thursday it had started military exercises near the border with Ukraine.

The Russian Ministry of Defense has confirmed exercises began in the military district of the South. There are 8,500 artillery soldiers who take part in these exercises.

The exercise includes a large number of artillery and Grad, Hurricane and Tornado multiple launch rocket parts, howitzers, Nona self-propelled artillery and anti-tank guns Rapier, the Defense Ministry said in a statement.

Russian forces have also held larger exercises in its central and western military districts last month, alarming the West and Kiev.