Joint Drills with Russia Halted

The Pentagon suspended joint military-to-military exercises and activities with Russia March 3, in the aftermath of the escalating security crisis between Russia and Ukraine. Bilateral meetings, port visits, and planning conferences also have been suspended. Amid pro-western protests in Kiev, the Ukrainian capital, the country’s president was ousted. Calling the overthrow of Viktor Yanukovych a “coup,” Russian President Vladimir Putin reportedly ordered deployment of thousands of troops to the border the two countries share. “We call on Russia to de-escalate the crisis in Ukraine and for Russian forces in Crimea to return to their bases,” Pentagon spokesman Navy Rear Adm. John Kirby said in announcing the suspension of joint activities.