Russia's Caucasus 2020 military drills will take place on September 21-26 / REUTERS

Secretary of Ukraine's National Security and Defense Council (NSDC) Oleksiy Danilov says Ukraine is closely monitoring Russia's Caucasus 2020 military drills to timely identify signs of threats to its national security.

"Ukraine is closely monitoring Russia's Caucasus 2020 military drills to timely identify signs of threats to national security," the NSDC's press service wrote on Facebook, quoting Danilov as saying.

Read alsoZelensky's envoy explains why Russia mustering troops in CrimeaFor its part, Ukraine will hold the Joint Efforts 2020 command and staff exercises on September 22-25, Danilov said.

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Russia's Caucasus 2020 military drills

  • Russia's Caucasus 2020 military drills will take place on September 21-26.
  • According to Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu, the issues of command and control of groupings of troops, formations and units in "joint operations to localize and resolve armed conflicts related to countering terrorism" will be worked out amid the drills. Military personnel from nine countries will take part in the exercises, while another nine states will send military observers to Russia.
  • The main events will be held at the Kapustin Yar and Ashuluk training grounds (Astrakhan region), as well as in the waters of the Black and Caspian Seas.
  • Ukrainian intelligence does not exclude Russia may stage any provocation during the exercises.
  • In response to Russia's drills, Ukraine will hold the Joint Efforts 2020 command-staff exercises in late September, during which it is planned to check the ability of the General Staff of the Armed Forces in the new structure to act in accordance with NATO standards, as well as organizing interaction with the command posts of the armed forces of NATO countries.