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Russia has begun new military drills near the border with Ukraine. Russia's defense¹ minister, Sergei Shoigu, said the move is in response to operations by Ukrainian forces against pro-Russian separatists and NATO exercises in eastern Europe. Shoigu also said  the Russian air force has received new and upgraded versions of aircraft for the exercises. The exercises involve both air and ground forces.

Russia holds military drills near the Ukrainian border as a response to Kiev’s
using armed forces against pro-Russian protestors and NATO’s recent European exercises.

Meanwhile, Russian President, Vladimir Putin, has warned Kiev against using the army in the east. He said it would be a serious crime and would affect interstate relations.

Ukraine’s foreign ministry² has responded by giving Russia 48 hours to explain and give details of its military exercises. The announcement came shortly Ukraine’s acting³ president Oleksandr Turchynov called on Russia to pull troops back from the border. In a brief address to the nation, he urged Moscow to end its "threats and blackmail⁴" and to stop interfering⁵ in Ukraine’s internal affairs. Turchynov said he would continue taking measures to protect the lives of Ukrainian citizens.