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Blizzard 2022, the command and staff drills, began in Ukraine on February 10. Speaking to Dom TV channel, Allied Forces Commander Serhiy Nayev said that “officers at command posts will broaden their theoretical knowledge on the issues of training, comprehensive support, and management of groups during operations by defense forces. Commanders will be able to improve their defense practices, including asymmetrical operations, at training grounds throughout the country.”
Last year, the army conducted almost 5,000 events, 70 of these were command and staff drills that involved troops. The main purpose of the Blizzard 2022 training is to increase the operational capabilities of military command structures, military units, and units of the Ukrainian military and other security and defense forces. The training will continue throughout February in certain areas throughout Ukraine.
Ukraine also will host military training with the use of Bayraktar drones, as well as Javelin and NLAW missiles. The training maneuvers will be carried out in parallel with the joint Belarusian-Russian training.
Read also: Ukraine to hold military drills engaging Bayraktar drones, Javelin, NLAW missiles
On February 10, large-scale exercises of the Russian and Belarusian armies with the use of heavy military equipment began in Belarus. Ukraine’s Western partners fear that Russia could use these exercises as a pretext to attack Ukraine. The drills are expected to end on February 20. Russia has repeatedly denied any plans to invade Ukraine despite massing more than 100,000 troops at the border.
At the same time, Russia is conducting training in the Voronezh region and plans to conduct drills in the Rostov region, which borders Ukraine. It is also reported that the Russian-occupied territories of Donbas and Crimea will be reinforced.
Read also: Ukraine to receive from Lithuania Stinger missile systems, – PM Šimonite
In addition, Russia is blocking Black, Azov Seas, Kerch Strait waters under the pretext of naval drills. Ukraine’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has voiced a strong protest against such Russia’s steps. In December, the Ukrainian Navy said that about 70% of the Azov Sea was blocked due to Russian military exercises.
