Russia launches snap military drills as tensions escalate with Ukraine

(Vatican Radio)  Russia has begun unexpected major military drills in several parts of the country and at sea amid major tensions with neighboring Ukraine. The exercises come amid mounting international concerns over a widening military conflict between the two neighbors.

Listen to Stefan Bos' report:

Russia's defense ministry says President Vladimir Putin announced snap military drills on land and in the Black and Caspian Seas.

The ministry said in a statement Thursday that the drills began at 7:00 a.m. Moscow time in Russia's southern, western and central military districts where troops have been put on combat alert.

Officials say the exercises will last until the end of the month and will involve a variety of troops, from paratroopers to the Northern Fleet.

Kiev blames Russia

These exercises were expected to add to tensions with Kiev. It has accused Moscow of stationing more than 40,000 troops in Russian-occupied Crimea and along the borders with Ukraine. 

Kiev also says Russia is supporting pro-Russian separatists in eastern Ukraine with weapons and troops, charges Moscow denies. In recent weeks the region has seen some of the deadliest fighting in a year.

Thursday's drills in Russia come shortly after President Putin accused Kiev of allegedly sending its military intelligence office to carry out acts of sabotage in Crimea, which Russia annexed from Ukraine in 2014. 

And the exercises are happening a week after Russia for the first time since it began its bombing campaign in Syria used an air base in Iran.