Russia launches large snap military drills

Russia on Thursday launched large-scale snap military drills, putting its troops on full combat readiness in districts bordering Ukraine and the Baltic states, the defence minister said. "In accordance with the decision of the Supreme Commander-in-Chief of Armed Forces of the Russian Federation (President Vladimir Putin), a spot check started today," Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu said in televised comments. Troops in the country's southern, central and western military districts, as well as the air force, northern fleet and paratroopers were in "full combat" mode as of 0400 GMT, he said.