Belarus begins military exercise on Poland border – and just 20 miles from Ukraine – to rehearse ‘liberating territory’ and regaining control over border regions
- Belarus said military exercises taking place by city of Brest near Polish border
- The exercises will practice ‘liberating territory temporarily seized by enemy’
- Defence ministry said the military exercises will continue until September 14
Belarus has started military exercises by the city of Brest near the Polish border, its capital Minsk and the northeast region of Vitebsk, the defence ministry said on Thursday.
It said the exercises, located just 20 miles from Ukraine, will practice ‘liberating territory temporarily seized by the enemy’ and regaining control over border regions.
The defence ministry added that the exercises, which are set to last until September 14, will practice ‘ensuring forceful measures of martial law’ as well as fighting against the ‘enemy and illegal armed formations’.
Up to 7,500 military personnel, 260 armored vehicles and about 30 aircraft and helicopters will take part in the exercise, local media reported.
Belarus has started military exercises by the city of Brest near the Polish border, its capital Minsk and the northeast region of Vitebsk, the defence ministry said on Thursday
It said the exercises, which are set to last until September 14, will practice ‘liberating territory temporarily seized by the enemy’ and regaining control over border regions
Belarus has started military exercises by the city of Brest near the Polish border, its capital Minsk and the northeast region of Vitebsk
According to the ministry, the level of troops and military equipment involved in the exercise did not require them to provide notice under OSCE guidelines.
The move comes after Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko reaffirmed his support for Russia’s invasion of Ukraine last month.
Lukashenko’s support of the war has prompted international criticism and sanctions against Minsk.
Belarus is a close ally of Russia and has allowed Moscow to use its territory to send thousands of troops into neighbouring Ukraine, as well as to launch missiles from its airspace.
Lukashenko has publicly stood by his longtime ally, who has pumped billions of dollars into shoring up his Soviet-style, state-controlled economy with cheap energy and loans.
The move comes after Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko reaffirmed his support for Russia’s invasion of Ukraine last month
A military helicopter is seen flying ahead during the military exercises in Belarus
According to the ministry, the level of troops and military equipment involved in the exercise did not require them to provide notice under OSCE guidelines. Pictured: A soldier wearing a parachute lands on the ground during the military exercises in Belarus
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