The Ministry of Defense of Latvia informs that in connection with the intensified conduct of military exercises in Belarus and Russia, increased military activity is observed.
“Russia is strengthening and modernizing its military capabilities near Latvia’s borders and also involves Belarus in these activities. Regular exercises at our country’s borders, where aggressive scenarios are played against the Baltic states, do not promote mutual trust and good neighborly relations,” said Minister of Defense Artis Pabriks.
Today, the training of the 76th Division of the Pskov Division of the Russian Armed Forces has begun in Pskov, Russia. At the same time, soldiers and equipment of the Pskov 76th Airborne Division of the Russian Armed Forces have gone to Belarus to participate in the joint Russian-Belarusian exercise “Slavyansk bratstvo – 2020”.
“Slavjansko bratstvo” is an annual military exercise that has been taking place on the territory of Russia, Belarus or Serbia since 2015. The exercise is taking place in Belarus this year, and Serbia has refused to participate.
From today, September 22 to September 25, the second phase of training will take place on the territory of Belarus, involving Western Operations Command of the Belarusian Armed Forces, Special Operations Forces, Air Force and Air Defense Forces, artillery soldiers, as well as Russian Air Force airborne troop units.
In total, about 6,000 soldiers and 500 combat equipment units are involved in the training, including about 1,000 Russian soldiers and 100 combat equipment units. Russia has previously sent a tactical team to the 106th Airborne Division Battalion to Belarus.
At the same time, the Russian Armed Forces is conducting a strategic operational-level military exercise “Caucasus 2020” in the Southern and Central War Area from September 15 to 26, with the participation of about 80,000 soldiers. The exercises this year are training the ability of Southern War area units to provide protection for Russia’s Southwest.
The national armed forces will continue to monitor military activities on the border. Latvia does not currently have a direct military threat and the National Armed Forces operates on a daily basis, as well as in the future Twitter profile @Latvijas_armija will inform the public about the activities of the Russian Armed Forces at the border of our country.
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