Vladimir Putin and Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko inspected the final stage of the Zapad-2013 Russian-Belarusian strategic military exercises.

Vladimir Putin and President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko will inspect the final stage of the joint Russian-Belarusian strategic military exercise Zapad-2013 on September 26.

Vladimir Putin held a meeting on progress in the implementation of the State Armament Programme for 2011–2020 for Equipping the Ground Forces with Weapons and Special Equipment.

Vladimir Putin visited the Kalashnikov Corporate Group, which produces 95% of Russia’s small arms.

As Commander-in-Chief of Russia’s Armed Forces, Vladimir Putin has made a decision that along with Armed Forces’ preparations for the Zapad-2013 military exercises, comprehensive inspections of Interior Ministry troops will also take place, as well as inspections of a number of civilian agencies: the Transport Ministry, the Energy Ministry, and the Nizhny Novgorod regional government. 

Vladimir Putin congratulated those taking part in a celebratory event organised by the All-Russian Public Organisation Russian Cadet Brotherhood to mark the 70^th anniversary of the founding of the Suvorov military academies and Nakhimov naval academies.

Vladimir Putin and Ilham Aliyev visited the Russian Navy Caspian Flotilla’s Dagestan missile ship, which is in Baku on a friendly visit.

Vladimir Putin congratulated current and veteran servicemen in the Russian Airborne Forces on their professional holiday, Paratroopers Day.

Vladimir Putin held a meeting on naval development and implementing the 2011–2020 naval defence procurement programme.

Vladimir Putin and President of Ukraine Viktor Yanukovych laid wreaths at the Memorial to the Heroic Defence of Sevastopol in 1941–1942 and, from on board a boat, watched a naval parade of warships from the two countries’ Black Sea fleets.

Sergei Shoigu briefed Vladimir Putin on the results of the large-scale exercises by troops in the Eastern and Central Military Districts.

Vladimir Putin watched the final phase of large-scale military exercises involving Eastern and Central Military District forces at the 247^th inter-forces Tsugol test ground in Trans-Baikal Territory, and also made a helicopter flight over the area where the exercises were underway.

Vladimir Putin had a working meeting with Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu during his trip to Belgorod Region.

Vladimir Putin held a Security Council meeting at the Kremlin to discuss plans for improving Russia’s military organisation over the period through to 2020.

Vladimir Putin congratulated graduates of military academies and universities on completing their studies.

Vladimir Putin held a meeting on implementing the 2011–2020 state arms procurement programme, focusing on development of the technology base for air and space defence.

Vladimir Putin was briefed by Samara Region Governor Nikolai Merkushkin, Emergency Situations Minister Vladimir Puchkov, Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu, and Health Minister Veronika Skvortsova on the situation with the explosions at the munitions depot and test ground near Chapayevsk in Samara Region.