Russian troops to return to base after drills in southwest

Russian President Vladimir Putin has instructed the Defense Minister, Sergei Shoigu, that troops return to base after taking part in drills in the Rostov, Belgorod and Bryansk regions.

The spring phase of military training has been completed, the Kremlin said.

"Due to the completion of the routine spring phase of military training that involved redeployment, in particular, at training sites in the Rostov, Belgorod and Bryansk regions, Putin has ordered the defense minister that the troops, which took part in the exercises, return to their home bases and continue military training in nearby training sites," the president's press office said.