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Russia and Belarus start military maneuvers
Despite attempts at international mediation, Russia and Belarus are holding joint military maneuvers. These images were released by the Russian Defense Ministry. According to the ministry, the exercises will take place at five different locations in Belarus. They are said to be mostly in the west of the country, on the borders with Poland and Ukraine. According to the official statement, the defense of an enemy attack, in particular the protection of the airspace and the state borders, is to be rehearsed during the military exercises. The maneuvers are scheduled to last until February 20th. Russia has now brought around 30,000 soldiers to Belarus, which borders northern Ukraine, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said last week. In addition, fighter jets, air defense systems and missiles equipped with nuclear weapons were transported to Belarus. Russia has meanwhile stationed more than 100,000 soldiers in front of the border with Ukraine. While the West warns of an attack, Moscow rejects such plans. The US government criticized the exercises in Belarus on Wednesday as an “escalating action”. In response, the Ukrainian military also wants to start ten-day maneuvers on Thursday. According to the Ukrainian Ministry of Defense, the handling of drones as well as missiles and anti-tank weapons supplied by foreign partners will be tested.
In response, the Ukrainian military also wants to start ten-day maneuvers on Thursday.