As of: 01/18/2022 4:22 p.m
The first Russian soldiers, tanks and trucks for joint maneuvers have arrived in Belarus. Both countries justify the military exercise with the tense situation in Ukraine. Western governments are concerned.
According to the government, the first Russian soldiers have arrived in Belarus for joint military maneuvers. According to the Belarusian Ministry of Defence, it is an exercise for operational and combat readiness. The reason for the maneuver is the “continuous increase in tensions in Europe, especially on the western and southern borders of Belarus”. Belarusian ruler Alexander Lukashenko announced the exercises on Monday.
Maneuver in two phases
The military exercises are to be held near Belarus’ borders with Ukraine and NATO members Poland and Lithuania. In a first phase until February 9, Russian and Belarusian troops will be deployed to “threatened areas,” according to the Belarusian Defense Ministry. State and military infrastructure and the airspace there are then to be secured.
In a second phase from February 10th to 20th, the actual maneuvers are to be held at various Belarusian military bases. It is not yet known how many soldiers from Russia and Belarus are taking part.
Russian Deputy Defense Minister Alexander Fomin had summoned dozens of foreign military attachés to Moscow in advance to announce the maneuvers. These were aimed at “counteracting aggression from outside,” he explained. S-400 missile systems would also be used. It is also about fighting terrorism and protecting the interests of Russia and Belarus.
Tensions between NATO and Russia
The West is concerned about Russia’s heavy troop movements near the Ukrainian border. Russia has already massed around 100,000 troops on its border with Ukraine. Western governments fear a Russian attack on Ukraine, but Russia has denied these concerns.
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The Russian government, in turn, is demanding that NATO refrain from further eastward expansion. At the same time, Russia condemns the reinforcement of NATO units in the region.
Relations between the EU and Belarus are also strained. After the allegedly falsified re-election of ruler Alexander Lukashenko in August 2020, the EU imposed tough sanctions on the country and the political elite in several rounds. The conflict came to a head when Belarus brought refugees to the Polish-Belarusian border to put pressure on the EU.