Sources close to Euronews Albania have reported that the security task force, part of the US military exercise ‘Defender 21’ have collected information on a Russian citizen, who entered Albania from the border crossing point of Muriqan, on May 12th carrying a drone.
Valdislav Cherkasov had declared that his final destination was the city of Durres and this was exactly what raised doubts regarding his arrival to Albania.
He is one of two Russian citizens entering Albania, since the ‘Defender 21’ troops have been deployed in our country. In the meantime, the Prosecution of Tirana has started investigations into Cherkasov, on suspicions of espionage.
Euronews Albania has also learned that 47 year-old Cherkasov, left our country three days his arrival at the city of Durres.
The troops gathering from 26 countries, under the leadership of the US military were conducting their practice operations at the port of Durres, the air bases of Kuçova, Berat, Zall-herr, Bize, Pashaliman and Farka.
The ‘Defender 21’ exercise had a protective nature and was focused on the prevention of various forms of aggression, while training our armed forced to respond to all possible crises.
This year, the focus of ‘Defender Europe 21’ was to create operational preparedness and mobility, more interactivity in-between NATO states as well as an increased number of allies and partners in the region.
Albania was one of the 16 countries, where the multi-national military exercise, ‘Defender 21’ was carried out. Our country was selected amongst the list of countries because of its strategic location as well as the fact that it has been a valuable partner of the U.S. for year now.
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