Russia's Mobile Army Training Title In Crimea And Near Ukrainian Borders

JAKARTA - Moscow authorities said on Wednesday that training for newly mobilized reserve forces had begun in various regions across Russia, including the Rostov region on the Ukrainian border and the Crimean peninsula that was seized from Ukraine in 2014.

Russia's Defense Ministry said on its Telegram channel training had also begun at the Kaliningrad excavation, which borders NATO, Poland and Lithuania member states.

In Rostov, where Russian troops gathered before attacking Ukraine on February 24, the ministry said all personnel had been "equipped with the necessary clothing, receiving weapons and starting shooting training".

Separately in Kaliningrad, where Russia's large military presence includes nuclear-capable missiles, training begins at the Baltic Fleet base.

"Residents summoned from the reserve are restoring their skills in weapons operations and maintenance, and military and special equipment," the ministry said in a statement.

Training was also held to improve shooting skills, preparing military personnel for "confident actions on battlefield".

The Defense Ministry said some 2,000 reserve troops had received weapons in Crimea, the Ukrainian peninsula that Moscow seized in 2014 and is now considered part of Russia.

President Vladimir Putin last week ordered Russia's first military mobilization since the Second World War, which could result in hundreds of thousands of more being sent to war in Ukraine.

The announcement of mobilization has prompted thousands of combat-age men to try to leave Russia to avoid being called to war in Ukraine.