Polish military chiefs to meet as Russia tests combat readiness
PR dla Zagranicy
Roberto Galea
25.08.2016 14:25
Defence Minister Antoni Macierewicz has called a meeting of the chiefs of the Operational Command of Poland’s Armed Forces following reports that Russia is testing the combat readiness of its troops.
Polish Defence Minister Antoni Macierewicz. Photo: PAP/Radek Pietruszka
Defence Ministry spokesman Bartłomiej Misiewicz said the heads Poland’s military counterintelligence service and military intelligence service were among those called to the meeting on Thursday afternoon.
Misiewicz added that a Polish attaché in Moscow has been invited by the Russian defence ministry for a meeting.
On Thursday, Russian President Vladimir Putin put the country’s troops on full combat mode in regions surrounding Ukraine and the Baltic states, the Kremlin-controlled Sputnik agency said.
The agency quoted Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu as saying: “Today, another unannounced inspection begun in accordance with a decision by the Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation. Forces of the Southern [military district], as well as parts of the forces of the Western and Central military districts, the Northern Fleet, the High Command of the Aerospace Forces, the command of the Airborne Troops are set on full combat readiness starting 7:00 Moscow time [4:00 GMT].”
The so-called readiness checks are expected to last until 31 August.
More to follow.
(pk)
Source: PAP