Chelyabinsk:Russian President Vladimir Putin observed military exercises in Russia's Chelyabinsk region in the Urals on Friday.

According to Anadolu Agency, Putin visited the training ground to witness the final stage of the Center-2026 maneuvers, which began on Monday and are scheduled to conclude on Saturday. He was accompanied by key military officials, including Defense Minister Andrey Belousov.

The Kremlin stated that the drill is being conducted alongside the Collective Security Treaty Organization's (CSTO) Interaction-2026 command post exercise. The Center-2026 drill involves over 47,000 Russian military personnel, with contingents from seven foreign states also participating.

The exercises include more than 6,000 military personnel from Russia and other countries, along with units from the CSTO's Collective Rapid Reaction Force, stationed at the Chebarkulsky training ground.

During the visit, Putin expressed confidence that the results of the Center-2026 and Interaction-2026 exercises, along with the experience gained by the personnel, would enhance the effectiveness in responding to external threats to the security of the participating countries.

Following the exercises, Putin held a brief meeting with foreign military attaches attending the Center-2026 drill and conducted talks with Chelyabinsk Governor Alexey Tesler.