Russia begins large-scale drills in Pacific

The Russian Navy’s Pacific Fleet on Friday began exercises in the Pacific Ocean involving more than 40 naval vessels and up to 20 aircraft and helicopters, according to Russia’s Tass news agency.

The news agency reported that the exercises will be conducted through June 10 and include the detection of enemy submarines and the removal of floating mines.

The exercises appear to be aimed at checking countries, such as the United States and Japan, that are deepening confrontation with Russia over its invasion of Ukraine.