Russia to hold massive drill in Black, Mediterranean seas

ISTANBUL

A seaman lowers the Russian navy flag to half mast as parf of a ceremony marking the anniversary of the end of the World War I aboard the legendary cruiser Aurora in St. Petersburg on November 11, 2012. AFP PHOTO / OLGA MALTSEVA

Russia is set to begin one of the largest military exercises in several years with participation from the country’s Northern, Baltic, Black Sea and Pacific Fleets, according to Ria Novosti.

The Russian Defense Ministry said the drill, which will be conducted in the Black and Mediterranean seas, will be the largest of its type in “the past few decades."

The exercises are expected to improve control and ensure multiservice force interaction while allowing forces to practice such cooperation in maritime zones, the ministry said.