Russian army's 98th airborne division begins large scale air drop exercises yesterday March 11 2014

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/98th_Guards_Airborne_Division

A Russian army's 98th airborne division based in Ivanovo in central Russia began large-scale exercises Tuesday, March 11, 2014. The Defense Ministry said units were put on high alert and moved to unspecified locations to “check readiness” in simulated combat conditions.

The drills come in the wake of a number of military exercises in Russia’s western regions in the past days, including air defense drills, combat readiness snap checks and a launch of an intercontinental ballistic missile.4000 troops, 36 military transport aircraft and an unspecified number of combat vehicles are taking part in the exercises, which will run until March 14.The drills will include a massive simultaneous aidrop involving 3,500 servicemen, the ministry said.

Russian officials say the exercises are not linked to the developments in Crimea.