US warns against Russian military intervention in Ukraine
The United States has warned Russia that it would be a "grave mistake" to embark on military intervention in Ukraine.
Putin orders combat readiness drill in Western Russia
Russian president Vladmir Putin ordered an urgent drill to test the combat readiness of the armed forces across western Russia this morning, state news agencies reported.
Defence minister Sergei Shoigu said:
"In accordance with an order from the president of the Russian Federation, forces of the Western Military District were put on alert at 1400 (1000 GMT) today."
Putin has ordered various surprise drills across Russia since he returned to the presidencey in 2012, saying it was important for the military to be kept on its toes.
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