As Lukashenko announced on Monday, the agreement on joint military exercises had already been reached with Russian President Vladimir Putin in December. It was initially unclear how many soldiers would take part.
NATO military presence in the West
According to Lukashenko, the exercises are aimed at “developing a precise plan in the event of a confrontation with Western forces”. The maneuvers are under the motto “Resolution of the Union 2022”, explained the Belarusian ruler in the online service Telegram.
Lukashenko justified the joint maneuvers with the strengthening of NATO’s military presence in Poland and the Baltic States. Warsaw has applied to NATO for logistical and technical support. In addition, Lukashenko accused the Ukrainian leadership of strengthening its units on the border with Belarus.
Russia denies allegations from the West
Tensions between Russia and the West had increased in recent weeks. Western governments accuse Moscow of increasing troops on the border with Ukraine in preparation for an attack.
Russia denies any intention to attack and for its part condemns the strengthening of NATO units on its borders as well as plans for Ukraine and Georgia to join NATO.