DHAKA: Ukraine’s parliament on Tuesday approved holding a series of joint military exercises with NATO countries that would put US troops in direct proximity to Russian forces in the annexed Crimea peninsula.

‘This is a good opportunity to develop our armed forces,’ acting defence minister Mykhailo Koval told Verkhovna Rada lawmakers ahead of the 235-0 vote.

The Straits Times publishes this report.

BDST: 1503 HRS, APR 01, 2014