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»Tank Biathlon« near Moscow (2014)
Photo: Maxim Shemetov / REUTERS
Almost half a year after the start of its invasion of Ukraine, Russia is holding international army games.
Among the participants are armored units from almost two dozen countries.
This year's "tank biathlon" will start this Saturday and last two weeks, the Russian Defense Ministry said.
Soldiers from a total of 22 countries are to compete in the competition, for example in driving tanks, at shooting ranges and in obstacle courses, according to a specially created website.
China is also there
In addition to Russia, the participating states include China and Venezuela as well as the ex-Soviet republics of Belarus, Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan.
The military event is being held for the tenth time not far from the Russian capital Moscow and is being organized by the »International Federation of Tank Biathlon«.
For visitors there is a weapons museum, remote-controlled mini tanks and children's attractions, among other things, according to the announcement.
The large exhibition "Armiya 2022" with a weapons show also begins on Monday in Patriot Park near the Russian capital.
Russia also wants to show its latest products from the armaments industry there.
Russia has been at war with neighboring Ukraine since February.
Western countries have since imposed numerous far-reaching sanctions on Moscow.
Recently, Latvia classified Russia as a terror-supporting state.
A resolution adopted unanimously calls violence against civilians in Ukraine and other countries terrorism.
MEPs also called on other EU countries to suspend issuing tourist and entry visas to citizens of Russia and neighboring Belarus.
asa/dpa
