Igor Konashenkov
Russian defense Ministry denied the statements of the Minister of defense of Germany Ursula von der Leyen about 100 thousand Russian military, allegedly involved in military exercises “Zapad-2017”. This was stated by the official representative of the Ministry Igor Konashenkov, RIA Novosti reported.
According to him, the Ministry of defence “surprised” by von der Leyen, “publicly operating taken from the ceiling figures.”
“The German side was timely and has all the detailed information about the plan, the defensive nature and the real numbers involved in the exercises “West-2017″ Russian troops”, — said Konashenkov.
He stressed that details about the maneuvers was provided to Berlin, as well as “directly to the military attache at the German Embassy in Moscow.”
The head of the German defense Ministry earlier reported that the exercise will involve a lot more Russian soldiers than stated. According to her, we are talking about 100 thousands of military, instead of the promised 12.7 thousand. Von der Leyen called it “another demonstration by Russia of its power and capability”.
Joint exercises of Russia and Belarus “West-2017” will be held from 14 to 20 September. Such exercises conducted by Moscow and Minsk on a regular basis. This year they will participate to 13 thousand soldiers.