Warships from the Russian Pacific Fleet started on Thursday a series of anti-submarine warfare drills in the Sea of Japan as part of the Vostok-2010 strategic exercises in Russia's Far East.

"Ships and aircraft from the Pacific Fleet are practicing anti-submarine search-and-destroy missions to ensure favorable operational conditions in the Primorye joint task force's zone of control," said Capt. 1st Rank Roman Martov, a spokesman for the Pacific Fleet.

The Russian Armed Forces started on Tuesday large-scale Vostok-2010 military exercises in Siberia and the country's Far East. The drills, which involve at least 20,000 troops, up to 70 warplanes and 30 warships, will continue through July 8.

Gen. Nikolai Makarov, chief of the General Staff of the Russian Armed Forces, stressed on Monday that the drills were not aimed against any one country.

Russia holds Vostok strategic command-and-staff exercises every two years. More than 8,000 troops took part in Vostok-2008.

VLADIVOSTOK, July 1 (RIA Novosti)