The Russian Defense Ministry announced April 14, Friday morning that Putin had ordered a no-notice inspection of the Pacific Fleet and associated units. “Today, at 9 a.m. (Vladivostok time), the Pacific Fleet in full force was alerted, and started transferring to the highest degree of combat readiness. A part of Aerospace Forces, military units, and support units are also involved in the event,” the ministry said in a statement. “The main purpose of this inspection is to build up the ability of the Armed Forces to deal with the tasks of repelling the maritime aggression of a potential enemy.”
Chief of the Russian General Staff Gen. Valery V. Gerasimov said, “The event should create an environment for the inspected troops that is as relevant as possible to the content and nature of modern armed combat.”
