Ukraine began its two day military drill over the Black Sea on Dec 1, 2015 placing Russia in combat mode. The drill involves testing surface-to-air missiles. This marks the first ever missile test drill for Ukraine.
What has escalated tensions with Russia is that Ukraine’s testing location is really
close to the Russian controlled
Crimea.
The drill was conducted in
Kherson region on the coast of the Black Sea. It involved S-300 medium range missiles. In total, 16 missiles were launched and all of them reached their targets. The missiles came within 18 miles of the Crimean airspace.
The main purpose of the drill is to build Ukraine air defence.
Russia sent several letters to Kiev, calling the drills a violation of international law and sovereignty of Russia.
Ukraine President Petro Poroshenko has held that the tests are in accordance with international law.
Russia positioned warships off Crimea’s western coastline and threatened to shoot down any missile that enters the Crimean airspace.
About Crimea- Crimea was formerly a part of Ukraine.
- In 2014, Russia annexed the Supreme Council of Crimea and other important places.
- This led to the installation of a pro Russian government in Crimea.
- A referendum in March 2014 saw a majority of Crimean voters favour separation from Ukraine and choose to remain with the Russian Federation.
- UN called the referendum invalid and passed a resolution asking international organisations and States not to recognise Russian annexation of Crimea.
- Russian President Vladimir Putin defends the move and opposed the annexation tag.
