Putin orders surprise Black Sea military exercises Published duration 28 March 2013

image caption Airborne troops are among 7,000 who will take part in the Black Sea exercises

Russian President Vladimir Putin has ordered surprise military exercises in the Black Sea region, to test the armed forces' battle readiness.

The president's spokesman said the exercises would involve 36 ships and up to 7,000 troops.

He added that Russia was not obliged to give warning of exercises involving fewer than 7,000 personnel.