Latest from Ukraine: Russian-Belarusian military air exercises begin in Belarus

According to experts, these maneuvers occur at a time when the Russia tries to drag Belarus into its military action against Ucrania.

Belarus already serves as a rear base for Russian forces.

“From January 16 to February 1, 2023, tactical air exercises involving Belarusian and Russian Air Force units will take place on Belarusian territory, the Belarusian Ministry of Defense said in a statement.

“All airfields and all firing ranges of the air forces and anti-aircraft defense” of the Belarusian army will be involved in these maneuvers, according to the same source.

“The main objective of this exercise is to strengthen operational compatibility” between the two armies, the ministry added.

In recent days, Russian air force units arrived in Belarus to participate in the exercises, the ministry said, without specifying the number of soldiers involved.

These maneuvers are “completely defensive,” highlighted a high-ranking Belarusian Security Council official on Sunday.

In October, Belarus announced the formation of a joint force with Russia and several thousand Russian military personnel were sent to this former Soviet republic.

Belarus served as a rear base for Russian troops in the offensive against Ucrania started in February 2022, but the Belarusian army does not fight on Ukrainian territory.

(With AFP)

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