Russia to hold military drills near border with Ukraine

MOSCOW, April 24 (UPI) —

The Russian military announced Thursday that it will be undertaking military drills in response to Ukraine’s renewed anti-terror operations against pro-Russian militants in eastern Ukraine.

Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu said Thursday, "Starting today, exercises of battalion tactical groups from the Southern and Western military districts will begin near the borders with Ukraine," and "aircraft will do fly-bys close to the state border."

Also on Thursday, Ukrainian security forces killed five pro-Russian separatists at three checkpoints near the eastern Ukrainian city of Slovyansk. Ukrainian security forces, local protesters, and pro-Russian militants have increasingly clashed in eastern Ukraine.