Russia-Belarus hold joint military drills as conflict in Ukraine enters new phase

The five-day Russia-Belerus military exercise, which began on September 22, comes as the Russia-Ukraine conflict is about to enter a new phase, while Belarus is also embroiled in diplomatic tensions with Poland and Latvia.

Russian soldiers participate in a joint military exercise between the Russian and Belarusian armed forces near the city of Baranovichi (Belarus) on February 19, 2022. (Photo: AFP/VNA)

Russia and Belarus have launched joint military exercises in Belarus .

The exercise comes as the Russia-Ukraine conflict enters a new phase, while Belarus is also embroiled in diplomatic tensions with its neighbors Poland and Latvia.

Belarus is Russia's closest ally. According to the Belarusian Defense Ministry , the military exercises between the country and Russia will last for 5 days and start on September 22.

More than a week ago, Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko traveled to Russia for talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Belarusian news agency Belta reported that the two leaders focused on “international agenda and regional issues.”

In early September, more than 2,000 troops from the Russia-led Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) also conducted military exercises in several regions of Belarus.

The exercise involved troops from Russia, Belarus, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan and Tajikistan. Although Armenia is also a member of the CSTO, it did not send troops to Belarus to participate in the exercise./.

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