Russian military shows high combat capabilities despite COVID-19: defense minister

APD NEWS

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The Russian Armed Forces showed high combat capabilities during a recent snap check held amid the COVID-19 pandemic, Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu said Wednesday.

"The snap check proved that there is no decrease in the ability of the Russian Armed Forces to solve tasks they are meant for," Shoigu said, according to the ministry's Zvezda broadcasting service.

Russia held a large-scale snap check of the combat readiness of its Southern and Western military districts, large troop units, airborne forces, and Northern and Pacific fleets on July 17-21.

During the check, 56 tactical-level exercises were conducted, involving a total of 149,755 troops, 26,820 weapon units, 414 aircraft, and 106 warships and support vessels.

All participants acted professionally, strictly observing safety requirements, Shoigu said, adding that snap checks will continue in the future.