MINSK, KOMPAS.com – Russia and Belarus started joint military exercises on Monday (16/1/2023).
The joint exercises have sparked fears in Kyiv and the West that Russia could use its ally to launch a new ground offensive against Ukraine.
Russia is known to have “used” Belarus as a springboard for an invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.
Also read: Latest Ukraine: Russia Replaces Commander Amid Strange Situation in Soledar
Russia-Belarus are scheduled to carry out air force exercises from January 16 to February 1.
The Belarusian Defense Ministry said Russia-Belarus will use all Belarusian military airfields and start joint military exercises involving a mechanized brigade subdivision on Monday.
Belarus insists the air drills are defensive in nature and will not enter the war.
“We are maintaining restraint and patience, keeping our gunpowder dry,” First Deputy Secretary of State of the Security Council of Belarus, Pavel Muraveyko, said in a post on the Telegram app of the Ministry of Defense of Belarus on Sunday (15/1/2023).
Even so, Muraveyko said, the situation on Belarus’ southern border with Ukraine was not very calm.
He also accused Ukraine of provoking Belarus.
“We are ready for any provocative actions from the Ukrainian side,” Muraveyko said, as quoted from Reuters.
Russian jets, scouts and helicopters have reportedly arrived in Belarus. However, the number of units is unknown.
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Russia has denied pressuring Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko to take a more active role in the conflict in Ukraine.
Belarus has conducted many military drills since the invasion began, both alone and with Russia.
Together with Moscow, Minsk is also strengthening exercises with military weapons and equipment.
According to Murayevko, this exercise, among other things, regarding methods of reconnaissance, evasion and deterrence of air attacks, protection of vital objects and communications.
Ukraine alert
Ukraine, which borders Belarus, has prepared for every eventuality.
Media Ukrayinska Pravda reported that Ukrainian troops in the northern region bordering Belarus, including Chernobyl and Chernihiv, were on high alert.
“At a time like this, we must not let our guard down. Don’t let history repeat itself,” said Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.
Last week, Zelensky stated that his country must be ready on its border with Belarus.
Also read: Latest Ukraine: The Kremlin Asks Russia Not to Rush to Announce Victory in Soledar
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