Russian defense minister inspects newly army units

MOSCOW

Russia’s defense minister on Saturday inspected newly formed units of the army in the country’s southern military district.

Sergey Shoygu was briefed on the preparedness of the forces in that region and observed training, including on driving and shooting, the Defense Ministry said in a statement.

Shoygu "personally checked the development of contract soldiers' skills in combat operations in various conditions of the situation and terrain, including in urban combat," it added.

Command staff of the southern military district told Shoygu that officers with combat experience were leading drills.

Motorized rifle, tank, artillery, and unit coordination training were also taking place, the statement said, noting that troops were being drilled as individuals and in groups.

Separately, a senior official of the Voronezh region, which is part of the southern military district, said two Ukrainian drones had been sighted in the area.

The official, Governor Aleksandr Gusev, said on Telegram that both were shot down by Russian air defenses in the region, which borders Ukraine.