Russia and Belarus to hold joint war games early next year
- Some Ukraine officials have voiced concern that Russia may attack the country from Belarusian territory
- Putin has staunchly backed his ally Lukashenko amid pressure from the West over a crackdown on domestic protests and a migrant crisis at the Polish border
Putin welcomed Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko’s proposal to hold another round of military drills, saying that they could be held in February or March. Speaking during a meeting with Lukashenko in St Petersburg, he added that military officials will coordinate details.
Putin’s announcement comes amid a Russian troop build-up near Ukraine that raised Western fears of an invasion. Some officials in Ukraine have voiced concern that Russia may attack the country from Belarusian territory.
Russia has denied having plans to attack its neighbour, but urged the US and its allies to provide guarantees that Nato does not expand to Ukraine or deploy its weapons there – demands the West has rejected.
Russia and Belarus have a union agreement envisaging close political, economic and military ties, and Moscow has staunchly backed Lukashenko amid Western pressure.