Kremlin orders test of combat readiness in west

Associated Press

MOSCOW (AP) — President Vladimir Putin has reportedly ordered an immediate test of combat readiness of troops in central and western Russia.

Russia's state news agencies are quoting Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu as saying that Putin ordered the test at 2 p.m. Moscow time on Wednesday.

The report did not mention Ukraine, one of Russia's western neighbors, where months of protests have forced a pro-Russia president to go into hiding.

The Kremlin was unable to confirm the order. The defense ministry was unavailable for comment.