Russia starts major naval drills with most of its fleet

Russia's navy began planned exercises involving most of its fleet in the Arctic and Pacific oceans as well as the Baltic and Caspian seas, the Defense Ministry said on Tuesday.

The drills, which include 20,000 personnel members and 300 ships, will test the readiness and capabilities of the navy at all levels, the ministry said.

The drills will include more than 300 combat exercises, including practicing the use of anti-aircraft missiles, artillery, anti-submarine weapons and "passive interference", it added.