Airforce Spokesman Igor Klimov told Interfax news agency that Russia would start a round of military exercises involving bombers and fighter jets today. 100 planes and helicopters will take part in the manoeuvres from Monday to Friday in Russia’s central and western districts. The announcement made no mention of Ukraine but are believed to be a show of strength as they are being held near the border where pro-Russian rebels are fighting Ukrainian government forces.

The exercises are said to be the first in a series to improve military coordination.

Western powers have accused Russia of increasing the number of troops along its border with Ukraine and arming rebels in East Ukraine but Russia denies this.