SAKHALIN REGION (Russia's Far East) (Sputnik) — According to Surovikin, the Russian military and the Russian Geographic Society are currently conducting a joint expedition to the Kurils chain, which involves six ships and over 200 participants. The Matua Island hosts three airstrips dating back to World War II.
"The main goal of the expedition is to study the possibility of basing Pacific Fleet forces there," Surovikin said at a meeting with the district's senior commanders.
