Russia carries out snap check of paratroopers in western Russia

MOSCOW (Reuters) - Russia's Defence Ministry started a snap inspection of its paratrooper units in western Russia on Monday, Interfax news agency quoted the ministry press office as saying.

Russia has carried out several unannounced military drills since relations with the West deteriorated over the Ukraine crisis, with Moscow criticising what it says is a build-up of NATO forces near Russia's borders.