Defense Ministries of Russia and Belarus convene a joint board meeting on October 20, 2021.(Photo: function.mil.ru)

The two Defense Ministries are planning closer bilateral military cooperation. They have developed a new “military doctrine of the Union State” to strengthen their military security next year. The two sides have agreed to hold a large-scale joint exercise called “Shield of the Union” in 2023.

Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu said cooperation to develop their armed forces, level up their operational and combat training, and improve their military infrastructure for joint use is urgent.

Belarus’s Defense Minister Viktor Khrenin said Belarus considers strategic cooperation with Russia of vital importance, adding that it is working to fully implement their cooperation plan.