CHELYABINSK — Russian President Vladimir Putin on Friday observed the final stage of the Center-2026 military exercises in Russia’s Chelyabinsk region in the Urals, according to the Kremlin.Putin visited a training ground in the region to inspect the maneuvers, which began Monday and are scheduled to continue through Saturday.He was accompanied by senior military officials, including Defense Minister Andrey Belousov.The Center-2026 exercises are being conducted alongside the Collective Security Treaty Organization’s (CSTO) Interaction-2026 command post exercise.According to the Kremlin, more than 47,000 Russian military personnel are taking part in Center-2026, with seven foreign countries also contributing military contingents.More than 6,000 personnel from Russia and other participating countries, along with units of the CSTO’s Collective Rapid Reaction Force, are deployed at the Chebarkulsky training ground.“I am confident that the results of the Center-2026 and Interaction-2026 exercises, along with the experience gained by the personnel, will enhance our effectiveness in responding to external threats to our countries’ security,” Putin said during the visit.Following the exercises, Putin held a brief meeting with foreign military attaches attending Center-2026 and also met Chelyabinsk Gov. Alexey Tesler.
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