Russia's Pacific Naval Drills, Displays Military Capabilities , and Ties With China.<br />'Newsweek' reports that Russian President Vladimir Putin <br />said the development of Russia's naval <br />capabilities remain a priority for Moscow.<br />'Newsweek' reports that Russian President Vladimir Putin <br />said the development of Russia's naval <br />capabilities remain a priority for Moscow.<br />The news comes following military drills<br />conducted by Russia's Pacific Fleet.<br />According to Russian defense minister Sergei Shoigu, the exercises began on April 14 and involved 25,000 personnel, 89 aircraft, 167 warships and 12 submarines.<br />According to Russian defense minister Sergei Shoigu, the exercises began on April 14 and involved 25,000 personnel, 89 aircraft, 167 warships and 12 submarines.<br />Shoigu reportedly stated that <br />the exercises were meant to test the , "combat stability of strategic missile submarines <br />and their readiness for the use of weapons.".<br />Kremlin Spokesperson Dmitry Peskov stressed that <br />the drills and Putin's subsequent comments come <br />amid a "turbulent" environment "in many areas.".<br />Kremlin Spokesperson Dmitry Peskov stressed that <br />the drills and Putin's subsequent comments come <br />amid a "turbulent" environment "in many areas.".<br />It is fraught with conflict <br />situations and regional conflicts. <br />We all know the geography <br />of these regional conflicts well, Dmitry Peskov, Kremlin Spokesperson, via TASS.<br />'Newsweek' reports that former British military <br />intelligence officer Philip Ingram suggested several <br />implications of the large-scale Naval drills. .<br />'Newsweek' reports that former British military <br />intelligence officer Philip Ingram suggested several <br />implications of the large-scale Naval drills. .<br />According to Ingram, the drills are meant to , "show Russia continues its normal military activities even <br />though it is fighting its special military operation in Ukraine.".<br />According to Ingram, the drills are meant to , "show Russia continues its normal military activities even <br />though it is fighting its special military operation in Ukraine.".<br />Ingram suggests that the drills also display <br />Russia's presence in the Pacific, while also <br />consolidating Moscow's ties with China. .<br />Ingram suggests that the drills also display <br />Russia's presence in the Pacific, while also <br />consolidating Moscow's ties with China. .<br />'Newsweek' points out that Russia and Japan remain locked <br />in a dispute over t he territorial rights to the Kuril Islands, <br />located off of Hokkaido, Japan's northernmost island
