VANISHED RUSSIAN TU-154 AIRCRAFT POSSIBLY HAS CRASHED IN MOUNTAINS IN KRASNODAR KRAI -- REPORT

Disappeared Russian TU-154 Aircraft Possibly Crashed in Mountains – Source

The Russian aircraft TU-154 most, which had disappeared from from radar shortly after take-off in Sochi Sunday, likely has crashed in the mountains in Krasnodar Territory in the south of the country, a source in local security services told RIA Novosti Sunday.

Ukraine Crisis: President Putin oversees planned military drills on countering nuclear strike

President Vladimir Putin has overseen military drills on countering nuclear strike. The planned drills come ahead of the May 9 celebrations dedicated to victory in World War II.

"We are carrying out tests of the readiness of the Russian armed forces. It was announced last November. The exercises will involve all branches of the armed forces across the country," Putin told reporters at the Defense Ministry.