Russia-Belarus begin joint military exercises, sparking fear in Kyiv of new offensive
(VOVWORLD) - Russia and Belarus began joint military exercises on Monday, which have triggered fears in Kyiv and the West that Moscow could use its ally to launch a new ground offensive in Ukraine.
 Russian fighter pilots will take part in military aviation drills with close ally Belarus from January 16, 2023. (File: Russian Defence Ministry Press Service via AP Photo) |
The two allies will conduct air force drills until Feb. 1 using all Belarus military airfields and began joint army exercises involving a "mechanised brigade subdivision", the Belarusian defence ministry said.
Minsk says the air drills are defensive and it will not enter the war.
Ukraine has continuously warned of possible attacks from Belarus, which has conducted numerous military exercises since the Russia-Ukraine conflict began, both on its own and jointly with Russia.