Ukraine building up military presence near Crimea

Ukraine is increasing the military presence of government forces near its borders with Russia's Republic of Crimea, the head of Crimea’s government committee for inter-ethnic relations, Zaur Smirnov said.

"Kiev is building up military presence near our borders. Several drills, engaging different military groups, have taken place over the past month. We regard it as an attempt to disturb the situation along the border," Sputnik cited Smirnov as saying.

The Ukrainian army plans to hold another training exercise near the border with Crimea later in the week, Smirnov added, citing the data gained from his sources.

Smirnov noted Kiev’s move would not threaten Crimea’s citizens, who are reliably protected, and would not deter tourists from visiting the peninsula.