Russian President Vladimir Putin is known as a lover of nature and outdoor activities, especially in Siberia. (Photo: RIA) According to the Kremlin spokesman, “the position of Head of State simply does not allow Putin to plan such a vacation. However, you know in some flash cases, the president uses the last day. week to rest”. Peskov added that he is not currently aware of any specific plans by President Putin this summer. It is known that Putin spent the previous vacation in the Taiga forest in early spring. Accompanying him was Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu. The two also rode in a tracked off-road vehicle, with Putin at the wheel and Shoigu next to him in the passenger seat and then walking through the Taiga forest. President Putin has long been known as a leader who loves adventure and action. His ideal locations are often scenic spots with both mountains and rivers, convenient for sports and recreation activities. Before that, one of the Russian leader’s most prominent travels was a two-day trip to Siberia in August 2017. After that, the Kremlin boss went to the Taiga forest, where he fished, swam, sailed along the river in a motorized boat, hiked through the mountains, sunbathe and swim. According to a spokesman for the Russian president, Putin dived for two hours in a cold lake in Siberia to hunt a large milkfish. Since taking power in 2000, Putin has regularly appeared in action sports such as flying fighter jets, riding horses, hunting tigers and releasing a wild leopard. This is how Mr. Putin won the admiration of people in many countries around the world. Currently, Putin still has the absolute support of the Russian people. Many experts believe that Putin will continue to hold the role of President of Russia in the 2024 election. According to the new law, signed after the people voted in favor of amending the Russian constitution last summer, with 78.56% of voters supporting it. Specifically, one of the constitutional amendments passed last year removed the presidential term limit, meaning Mr. Putin is likely to lead the country until 2036. By then, he will be 84 years old. .

“Mass production has begun. It’s no longer a test, it’s a robot that can appear in sci-fi movies because of its ability to fight independently. It’s exactly the weapon. of the future,” emphasized Sergei Shoigu. Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu talks about the country’s military priorities. Photo: TASS. According to Sergei Shiogu, equipping the armed forces with such means is one of the top priorities. And Moscow has a lot of work to do to expand its line of complex, military-purpose robots. Many military experts estimate that, although Russia’s military budget is not as much as that of the US or the European Union (EU), the country has spent a great deal of it on “sharpening knives”. Earlier, the Russian Ministry of Defense said that the first unit with attack robots will be formed in the Russian armed forces to operate five robotic systems “Uranus-9” with 20 combat vehicles. Offensive and defensive strategies will be studied in a Department of Defense science center. An experimental Russian attack robot. Photo: Sohu. It is known that the Uranus-9 is a multifunctional combat platform developed by Russia’s 766 Technical Equipment Production Bureau, with a total weight of 10 tons, 4.5 m in length, 2 m in width, 1 in height. ,4 m and maximum travel speed is 40 km/h. This combat robot combines powerful firepower, is equipped with a comprehensive controlled weapon system including 4 9S120 “Bumblebee-M” anti-tank missiles, 4 9K33 SA-18 anti-aircraft missiles and 1 2A72 cannon 30mm caliber with 200 rounds ammunition and 7.62mm machine gun mounted on the vehicle. In theory, its anti-tank missile has a range of 5,800 meters, enough to threaten today’s major armored targets.

“Sometimes people also advise Putin not to take adventurous trips, but he is very adamant about these hobbies,” Peskov said when asked if people were trying to stop the president. Putin does not take dangerous trips, such as sailing with whales in Kamchatka or flying with Siberian Cranes. According to experts, the Russian President likes to go on adventure tours to show people that he is still healthy and full of life. (Photo: RIA) The above sharing of Mr. Peskov was broadcast on Russia 1 TV channel in the program “Moscow. Kremlin. Putin” by Russian journalist Pavel Zarubin. In addition, according to Peskov, President Putin really loves Siberia, so he likes to have a few days of quiet rest there. “On the other hand, he also went to the Far East many times, he loved Sochi, he loved Krasnaya Polyana, he loved Crimea. In general, Putin is passionate about different lands, but it is true that he likes to have a few quiet days alone in Siberia, this is the truth,” Peskov said. Earlier, at the end of March, President Putin had a weekend in Siberia with Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu. The two also rode in a tracked off-road vehicle, in which Putin drove and Shoigu sat next to him in the passenger seat, and then walked through the Taiga forest. The head of the Russian Defense Ministry also showed the president his wood workshop, where Shoigu carves various works from dried tree stumps. One of the Russian leader’s most prominent travels was a two-day trip to Siberia in August 2017. After that, the Kremlin boss went to the Taiga forest, where he fished, swam, traveled along the river in motorboats, hiked through the mountains, sunbathed and swam. According to a spokesman for the Russian president, Putin dived for two hours in a cold lake in Siberia to hunt a large milkfish. In 2014, on his birthday, Putin took a day off for the first time and flew to the Siberian taiga. On that day, he walked almost 9 km through the mountains. In 2019, a few days before his 67th birthday, Putin treated himself to a vacation in the taiga. According to Kremlin spokesman Dmitri Peskov, Putin will spend his birthday with his family and loved ones. However, before that, he had “rewarded” himself a trip to Siberia to enjoy “nature and Russian autumn”. According to RT, Putin’s companion is Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu and a number of senior officials. Together they climbed mountains, picked mushrooms and drove off-road to visit primeval forests. The Russian president is known as a lover of nature and outdoor activities, especially in Siberia. Putin often goes to Siberia every year both to rest and to check the environmental situation in the region.

The video shows Russia withdrawing its troops from Crimea. Video: Russian Ministry of Defense The Russian Ministry of Defense announced the same day video footage of tanks, armored artillery and soldiers boarding the landing craft on the Crimean coast one after another. This is also where Russia has just completed the exercise with the participation of 60 warships, more than 10,000 soldiers, about 200 aircraft and 1,200 ground vehicles. The withdrawal was carried out by Russia after Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu asserted that “the army has proven its ability to ensure the country’s defense”. “I decided to complete inspection activities in the Western and Southern Military Region bordering Ukraine,” Shoigu said on April 22. Russian battleships boarded the amphibious ships to return to their permanent base. Photo: ITN According to Mr. Shoigu, the withdrawal will be completed by May 1. However, Russia still retains the weapons here for the exercises at the end of the year. The aforementioned weapons have been increased by Russia to Crimea and the region near the Russian border since late March, amid Moscow fears that the Ukrainian army has launched a bloody large-scale war against pro-Russian separatists in the East. Ukraine. NATO and Ukraine expressed concern over Russia’s military action and repeatedly urged Moscow to withdraw. Some Western sources even expressed skepticism that Russia had actually withdrawn.

According to CNN, Moscow said it had ended “rapid inspections” of troops in the east and west of the country. Illustration. Source: CNN The process of rallying Russian troops along the border in recent weeks has created tensions in eastern Ukraine. Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu said that the country’s army has completed drills near Ukraine and will return to its permanent base before May 1. “I am confident that the exercise objectives are completed. The military has demonstrated its ability to provide a reliable defense force to the country,” Shoigu said at a meeting in Crimea. Shoigu’s announcement came weeks after Moscow initiated the largest military surge near Ukraine’s border since 2014. The European Union estimates that more than 100,000 troops have gathered near the border and in Crimea. However, the announcement does not specify how many troops will remain in the area after Moscow intends to withdraw before May 1. US Department of Defense spokesman Ned Price confirmed that the US would continue to closely monitor the situation along with Ukrainian officials and other allies. “What we are looking for now is action on the Russian side,” said Ned Price. “We have made clear our commitment to the Russian government, reaffirming efforts to curb the escalation and immediately cease all provocations around Ukraine, including military mobilization. Crimea and the Ukrainian border as well as its intention to block ships in the Black Sea, “Pricwe said at a press conference. Russian state news agency TASS said that some weapons from the 41st Army, including tanks and heavy artillery, will be left in preparation for the Russian-Belarus strategic military exercise Zapad 2021 taking place in May. Nine years now. The move is believed to have caused Russia to increase fire tensions on the Ukrainian border more than before. It is too early to reduce escalation Conflict Intelligence (CIT) says it is too early to assess the de-escalation process in this area. “Russian forces staying in the Ukraien border are still in danger of deploying east of Ukraine, while a large-scale invasion of the government-controlled territory will inevitably still have to mobilize more forces to the border. “Conflict Intelligence Team (CIT) said on Twitter. On April 20, the Russian Defense Ministry said more than 20 ships took part in the exercise in the Black Sea – bordering both countries. “A ship unit comprising the Admiral Makarov and Admiral Essen frigates; the small missile ships Grayvoron and Vyshny Volochek with the missile ships; the small anti-submarine and large amphibious ships conducted the exercises. repulsion of the enemy’s aerial attack vehicles. Russian Defense Minister Shoigu said the Russian military was ready to react quickly to any “adverse” developments amid NATO’s ongoing Defender Europe military exercises. NATO’s Defender Europe 2021 exercise is an annual multinational exercise led by the US military to prepare for readiness and interoperability between the United States and the military of NATO partners. The exercise was canceled last year due to the complicated developments of the epidemic. “Each year in Europe, the alliance organizes more than 40 major combat drills with a focus on dealing with Russian challenges. In the spring of this year, NATO’s joint armed forces began the exercises. The biggest ambitious match in 30 years “, Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu said. The NATO alliance expressed deep concern about Russia’s military deployment near Ukraine. NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg last week described the move as part of a provocation from Russia. “Allies fully support Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. We urge Russia to immediately de-escalate, stop provocative actions and respect international commitments,” said Shoigu. to speak. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky earlier this week invited President Vladimir Putin to a meeting in Donbass, urging his Russian counterpart to restore a ceasefire in the eastern region that put “millions of lives” at stake. “President Putin said he is ready to discuss bilateral relations with President Zelensky in the Russian capital,” TASS reported. Ukraine is calling for increased international support in a state of tension with Moscow while calling on the West to introduce new sanctions to prevent the Kremlin from deploying more military forces.

Earlier on April 22, the Russian Defense Ministry announced the completion of the exercise near Ukraine and ordered the withdrawal of troops back to the base after the mass deployment of troops close to the Ukrainian border. Video: Russian troops withdraw their troops from the border with Ukraine According to Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu, the troops will return to the base by May 1. Mr. Shoigu said that the military must be ready to react quickly in “unfavorable” situations from large-scale drills led by the US, NATO and its allies, called Defender-Europe. It is not clear whether the order to recall troops back to the permanent base includes all the forces involved in the recent move to the Ukrainian border. In a statement made on April 23, Ukraine confirmed that the withdrawal of Russian troops from the two countries’ borders could ease tensions, but this step alone did not prevent escalation or conflict in the Donbass. Tensions between Russia and Ukraine have increased recently after Kiev accused Moscow of sending tens of thousands of troops closer to the border. Ukraine, Western nations and NATO have accused Russia of deploying “provocative” troops on Ukraine’s eastern border and in Crimea. Russia, for its part, insists its troops pose no threat and that its presence is only defensive and that its presence is only defensive. Moscow simultaneously accused the US and NATO of having “provocative activities” in the Black Sea region.

Russian soldiers are waiting in line to board the Ilyushin Il-76 transport plane (Image: Reuters) Following the announcement, the currencies of both Russia and Ukraine surged, signaling a sigh of relief from investors just hours after Russia finished its Crimea exercise – the region that has returned to be part of the campaign. Russia in 2014. Since 2014, Russian-backed separatists have been fighting the Ukrainian government in the region. Hence, the confirmation of the Russian withdrawal is likely to be welcomed by Western countries, which have expressed concern over the prospect of Russia intervening more deeply in eastern Ukraine. This month, a spokesman for the President of Ukraine said, Russia has deployed more than 40,000 troops on the eastern border of Ukraine and more than 40,000 in Crimea, of which about 50,000 are new deployments. Moscow does not release specific numbers. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy wrote on Twitter that Ukraine “welcomes any move to reduce its military presence and the situation in Donbass (eastern Ukraine)”, at the same time “grateful to international partners. supported them “. Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba said that Kyiv did not know whether Moscow would launch an attack, and said that if Russia does, the West must make sure it is on Ukraine’s side. “So now it can go in either direction” – Mr. Kuleba said – “And this is why the homogeneous Western response is so important right now.” State Department spokesman Ned Price said Washington was aware of the Russian announcement and was closely monitoring the situation at the border. “We have heard the words and what we are looking for is action” – Mr. Price said. Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu said he ordered the soldiers participating in the exercises to return to the base before May 1 after completing what he called a “check” in the border area. “I believe that the quick test has completely achieved its goal. The military has proven its ability to provide a reliable defense for the country,” he said. Military weapons will be gathered at a training ground near the city of Voronezh, about six hours’ drive from Ukraine, so that they can be used again later this year in another scheduled large exercise. Hours earlier, Mr. Shoigu had attended exercises in Crimea, which Moscow says involved 10,000 troops and more than 40 warships. Russia also announced that it had arrested a Ukrainian man as spies in the Crimea. Being stationed near Ukraine is one of the problems that has intensified tensions between Russia and the West. Last week, the US tightened sanctions against Russia for accusing it of cyber-attacks and meddling in the presidential election held last November. Along with that, the Czech Republic also accused Moscow of having a role in the deadly explosion at an arms depot in 2014. Both countries expelled Russian diplomats, angering Moscow to deny the allegations and expelled their diplomats in response. In an important speech on April 21, President Vladimir Putin warned Western countries not to cross the “red line”, though he did not specify what this line is. This week, however, Putin will still attend a climate summit hosted by US President Joe Biden. In Moscow, the Kremlin said Putin had received an invitation from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy to meet to discuss the crisis. “If the President deems it necessary, he will answer himself. I have nothing to say about that now “- Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said.

Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu affirmed that the country’s military has successfully completed “quick tests”, responded well to “unfavorable” situations and has demonstrated “reliable” defense capabilities. “Of this country. Russian Su-34 fighters at the Morozovsk air base of Russia, near the Ukrainian border on March 27. Satellite photo: Maxar However, Mr. Shoigu still asked to keep the heavy weapons, some 160km from the Ukrainian border, in preparation for another major exercise later this year. On Twitter, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy immediately said it welcomes any steps to reduce Russia’s military presence at its border and alleviate tensions in the Donbass. President Zelensky added that Ukraine is very grateful to the international partners who have supported and sided with this country over the past time. Meanwhile, US State Department spokesman Ned Price said that the country was aware of Russia’s withdrawal announcement, but still had to wait for the actual withdrawal, and affirmed that it would always follow the developments closely. situation. The NATO North Atlantic Treaty Organization assesses Russia’s steps as important and timely. And like the United States, NATO will continue to be concerned about the Russian-Ukraine border situation. Another development that is expected to ease the situation is that Russian President Putin declares his readiness for talks with his Ukrainian counterpart Zelensky in Moscow. In response to Mr. Zelensky’s earlier invitation to meet and the venue is Donbass, the Russian President said: “The question is what will be discussed at this meeting? If we talk about discussing Donbass issues, Ukraine leaders should first meet the separatist leader, and then meet a third country like Russia. If we talk about bilateral relations, we would like to invite and receive the President of Ukraine whenever it is convenient for him in Moscow. Although the Russia-Ukraine summit may not take place soon, but those are also the statements that help cool the current situation, after a series of previous hard statements by the two sides, such as Ukraine is ready for 1 The war comes together with Russia, and Russia will not “indifferent” if the situation worsens … /.

Russian military weapons appeared in Crimea. Photo: ITN With the above decision, the Russian troops reinforced to reach the Ukraine border will be withdrawn to a permanent base deep inside Russian territory from today (April 23) to May 1, with ground forces. will return to bases in Vladikavkaz, Novosibirsk and troops from air force units return to bases in Pskov and Ivanovo. However, Shoigu said Russia would still keep military weapons and equipment at the Pogonovo firing range in the Voronezh region, some 160 kilometers east of the Ukrainian border for other Russian military maneuvers by the end. year 2021. Both NATO and Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky welcomed the step. “The gradual withdrawal of troops from the border between the two countries will cool down tensions. Ukraine remains vigilant, but very welcome any move to reduce its military presence,” the President of Ukraine wrote on Twitter. Since late March 2021, Russia has deployed about 120,000 troops in Crimea and near the Ukrainian border, the highest level since the conflict in eastern Ukraine broke out in 2014, according to NATO reports. Russia did not confirm the increased number of troops, but confirmed that the recent Crimea drills involved 60 warships, more than 10,000 soldiers, about 200 aircraft and 1,200 ground vehicles.

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Russia in response?

Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu was quoted by Russian media on April 13 as saying that Moscow was taking measures in response to a threatening military action by the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), in which has combat readiness testing and training.

The Russian Defense Minister stated clearly, NATO is planning to deploy 40,000 troops and 15,000 weapons and military equipment near the Russian border, including the strategic air force. Mr. Shoigu further announced that the US is moving part of its North American garrison to Europe, which is mainly concentrated in the area near the Black Sea and Baltic Sea.

Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu

Shoigu, the TASS news agency, accused the US of increasing forces in Poland and the Baltic countries, and increasing the frequency of air and sea reconnaissance activities. He asserted that on European territory, NATO annually conducts about 40 large-scale combat training operations against Russia. This spring, NATO launched its largest-scale military exercise in the past 30 years, titled Defender Europe 2021 (Defender Europe 2021).

Mr. Shoigu stressed that Russia is taking measures to respond to NATO’s threatening military activities. The combined Russian large-scale airborne and joint military exercises have demonstrated the ability to be ready to fight to protect the country’s security.

Also on April 13, NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg urged Russia to withdraw troops that the alliance thinks Moscow is deploying on a large scale on the border with Ukraine. Speaking at a press conference to Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba, Mr. Stoltenberg said: “In recent weeks Russia has dispatched thousands of troops ready to operate in Ukraine’s border areas. This is the largest troop surge since Russia’s annexation of Crimea in 2014 … Russia must end this military build-up in and around Ukraine, immediately stop provocations and go downstairs. “.

US troops in NATO are deployed to Poland

A day earlier, Mr. Stoltenberg had a meeting with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken to discuss “Russia’s move to strengthen the army near the Ukrainian border”. According to a statement by the US State Department, Secretary of State Blinken and Secretary General Stoltenberg discussed an urgent request for Russia to stop its military build-up along the border areas of Ukraine and the Crimean peninsula.

President Vladimir Putin has also voiced denunciation of NATO conducting exercises on the Russian border and America’s intention to expand its influence over former Soviet members. In April, up to 5 out of 10 NATO exercises will be held in member states in the East.

NATO says it’s good …

According to Ukraine, Russia has deployed 46 tactical battalions – about 105,000 troops – along the border with Ukraine and in Crimea, and is provided with 19,000 tons of fuel and 355 tons of ammunition. Kiev urges allies not to repeat the 2014 “mistake” with events in Crimea and Donbass.

During a press conference with US and Western officials in Brussels, Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba said: “Strategically, Russia must understand that Ukraine belongs to the world of democracies, to the Western world, and the West will not let Russia disrupt Ukraine’s democracy and sovereignty.

Ukrainian soldiers

Western analysts say that both Russia and Ukraine may be “trying” the new US President Joe Biden to see how far he is willing to go to protect Washington’s allies and confront Russia. There are also comments that Russia wants to send a message to Ukraine after Kive imposed sanctions on congressman and businessman Viktor Medvedchuk, and banned three TV channels related to Mr. Medvedchuk.

Up to this point, the West still believes that a full-blown Russian strike or a NATO-backed attack against the separatists will not happen at this time. “NATO members will not send any forces to Ukraine,” said expert Bruno Lete, a senior researcher at the German Marshall Fund – a US research agency. the term is in political messaging, military advice and technical assistance. “

Many analysts believe that NATO allies would not be willing to engage their forces in a conflict against Moscow because of the Ukraine issue, but they could strengthen other forms of assistance. On April 14, German Defense Minister Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer said: “My impression is that the Russian side is trying to do whatever it takes to provoke a response … With Ukraine, we will not be caught up in the process. play this “.

From Crimea to Syria and most recently Nagorny-Karabakh, Russia has demonstrated its determination and unpredictable combat capabilities.

Most observers believe that the current situation will not necessarily lead to an immediate attack, but Russia’s intentions are still unclear, according to politico.eu. very worrying. The West believes that Russian President Putin wants to remain unpredictable, so there is little risk of a completely unexpected war, but there is always a risk of miscalculation or overreaction.

On the Russian side, some analysts in this country said that the outbreak was “a direct result of the internal political situation in Ukraine”. The Russian Expert newspaper assessed that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky took drastic measures such as fighting the opposition media allegedly pro-Russia, punishing billionaire Medvedchuk who allegedly has close ties to the Kremlin, or ban Russian language in schools aimed at regaining its image in the country.

Meanwhile, the World Socialist Web Site contains information proving that Ukraine, the US and the West are acting “aggressive, provocative” against Russia. Accordingly, Kiev in early March adopted a strategy to “withdraw the Crimean peninsula”. On March 25, President Zelensky also adopted a new military strategy emphasizing the urgency of mobilizing the entire population in a war against Russia in Ukraine. This strategy recognizes that Ukraine can only win with NATO support and no less than 19 mentions of its intention to join the military alliance.