Russia Rules Out Leaving Ukraine Drills Near Crimea Without Response

MOSCOW (Sputnik) – On Thursday, Ukraine launched missile firing drills in airspace over the Blask Sea.

“They [exercises] will not be left without corresponding assessment and evaluation,” Sokolov told reporters.

The Russian air transport agency Rosaviatsia said last week that Ukraine unilaterally decided to hold missile firing exercises near Simferopol in violation of international agreements. The missile drills are expected to take place on December 1-2 between 05:00 GMT and 17:00 GMT, Rosaviatsia said, adding that the launches will extend into Russia’s civil airspace and present a threat to flight safety.

On November 24, the Russian Defense Ministry summoned Ukraine's defense attache to hand him the note of protest.