More than 30 ships from the Russian Black Sea fleet have started training exercises near the Crimea peninsula as part of wider navy drills.

The purpose is to strengthen the defense of the Crimean coast, the naval bases of the Black Sea Fleet, industrial infrastructure facilities, as well as sea communications and areas of maritime economic activity from possible military threats.

The exercises are part of preparations for another major naval exercise, which is expected to involve 140 warships and support vessels, 60 planes, 1,000 units of military hardware and about 10,000 servicemen.

Source: VOV5