Two Russian paratroopers have drowned after a failed parachute landing attempt, the country’s military was quoted by news agencies as saying on Wednesday.
It was unclear if the paratroopers died during the snap combat readiness inspections currently taking place in Russia’s central, eastern and southern military districts. Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu said on Monday that the exercises will allow the Armed Forces to test its ability to maintain security in Central Asia.
The deadly incident took place at a training area near the annexed peninsula’s southeastern town of Feodosiya, the Southern Military District was cited as saying by Interfax.
The soldiers, whose names were withheld, “landed in the water and were unable to remove themselves from the parachute suspension system in a timely manner,” the military district said.
“Efforts by the rescue service on duty to save them have failed,” it said.
The Airborne Troops and law enforcement are conducting a joint investigation into the drownings.
A Message from The Moscow Times:
Dear readers,
We are facing unprecedented challenges. Russia's Prosecutor General's Office has designated The Moscow Times as an "undesirable" organization, criminalizing our work and putting our staff at risk of prosecution. This follows our earlier unjust labeling as a "foreign agent."
These actions are direct attempts to silence independent journalism in Russia. The authorities claim our work "discredits the decisions of the Russian leadership." We see things differently: we strive to provide accurate, unbiased reporting on Russia.
We, the journalists of The Moscow Times, refuse to be silenced. But to continue our work, we need your help.
Your support, no matter how small, makes a world of difference. If you can, please support us monthly starting from just $2. It's quick to set up, and every contribution makes a significant impact.
By supporting The Moscow Times, you're defending open, independent journalism in the face of repression. Thank you for standing with us.
Remind me later.
