Russia's Pacific Fleet put on high alert for snap drills

The entire Russian Pacific Fleet was put on high alert on Friday for snap drills that will involve practice missile launches in a massive show of force. Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu said the goal of the war games was to test the capability of Russia's armed forces to mount a response to aggression.

The Russian military has continued conducting regular drills across Russia to train its forces and demonstrate their readiness.Shoigu said the scenario for Friday's maneuvers envisages a response to an adversary's attempt to make a landing on Sakhalin Island and the southern Kuril Islands.

Russia has built up its military presence on the islands in recent years, deploying advanced fighter jets, anti-ship missiles and air defence systems there.The Pacific Fleet drills started days before a planned trip to Moscow by Chinese Defence Minister Gen. Li Shangfu.