Published: Just now
Russia and Belarus have started a joint military exercise. The exercise between the two countries’ air forces is to last until February 1.
In Ukraine and the rest of the world, the exercise raises concerns about a new Russian offensive with Belarus as a springboard. During the Russian invasion in February, Russian forces were partially deployed from Belarusian soil, but Belarusian leader Aleksandr Lukashenko has repeatedly said that he will not send his soldiers to the front.
From Minsk, it is emphasized that the military exercise that has begun is purely defensive and must focus on reconnaissance and defense. All military airfields in Belarus will be used during the exercise, according to the Ministry of Defense in Minsk.
In October, Minsk announced the formation of a joint regional force with Moscow. Since then, several thousand Russian soldiers have arrived in Belarus.