Russia has begun naval exercises in the Pacific, including drills on anti-submarine operations and airstrike operations, according to a statement from the Russian Ministry of Defense. This announcement comes ahead of a visit by Russian President Vladimir Putin to North Korea. The visit aims to establish a strategic partnership between Moscow and Pyongyang, which share "the steadfast brotherhood of comrades in arms," as stated by North Korean leader Kim Jong Un.
The exercises, which involve about 40 ships and vessels, along with around 20 aircraft and helicopters, will take place from June 18 to June 28 in the waters of the Pacific Ocean, the Sea of Japan, and the Sea of Okhotsk in the far eastern part of Russia, as clarified by the Russian Ministry of Defense. A video released by the ministry shows many ships and submarines sailing off the coast of the Sea of Japan near Vladivostok, the main base of the Russian Pacific Fleet. The ministry indicated that at various stages, sailors will conduct exercises on anti-submarine operations, missile strikes against groups of conventional enemy ships, and repelling aerial and naval drone attacks.
