Russia must boost Crimea forces: Defence Minister

Pro-Russian rebels ride on an armored personnel carrier (APC) during a parade in Luhanks, eastern Ukraine, September 14, 2014. Photo: Reuters

Russia needs to boost forces in Crimea because of the Ukraine crisis and a foreign military build-up, Russia's Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu says.

He said Russia must deploy "a full and self-reliant" military force in Crimea, which it annexed in March.

Pro-Russian rebels in eastern Ukraine launched their bid for separation shortly after the annexation.

Since a truce on 5 September, rebel groups have been posted near Mariupol, a key port on the main route to Crimea.

Ukrainian politicians have expressed fears that Russia may try to connect the rebels in the east with Crimea, a move that would involve seizing Mariupol.

Currently the Crimean peninsula does not have a land border with Russia, which lies just across a narrow strait at Kerch.

GLOBAL CONDEMNATION

"The situation in Ukraine has deteriorated and the presence of foreign military has increased near our borders," Shoigu was quoted as saying at a meeting with military commanders.

About 1,300 soldiers from 15 countries - including the US and other Nato members - are holding military exercises in Lviv in western Ukraine. Shoigu did not refer explicitly to them.

Russian media reports did not specify what extra forces Shoigu was aiming to send to Crimea.

Russia sent thousands of extra troops to the Black Sea peninsula in March, when gunmen in unmarked camouflage blockaded Ukrainian bases there, eventually forcing Ukraine to withdraw.

Russia's actions drew international condemnation. Crimea has been part of Ukraine since 1954, though previously it was under Russian rule.