On April 19, Ukraine launched large-scale anti-terror drills and inspections for all of its military and security bodies in most regions, amid the acute security crisis caused by Russia’s massive military buildup near Ukraine’s borders.
By various estimates, Russia has concentrated up to 100,000 troops near eastern Ukraine and in occupied Crimea in recent weeks, and sent overt threats to Kyiv, prompting fears of possible invasion.
The Security Service of Ukraine (SBU), National Guard, special police and coast guard are participating in simulated warfare near the Azov Sea port city of Mariupol, one of Ukraine’s key strategic strongholds. The drills are meant to toughen the country’s ability to deter enemy sabotage in the event of a major war with Russia.
