For joint military maneuvers
Russia deploys fighter jets to Belarus
2/5/2022 1:24 p.m
In the past few days, Russia has been sending large numbers of military equipment and soldiers to Belarus, including missiles that can be equipped with nuclear weapons, according to NATO. In addition, the Kremlin is now also moving fighter jets into the country – the West and Ukraine are alarmed.
A few days before the start of a controversial military maneuver, Russia has deployed Sukhoi Su-25SM fighter jets to Belarus. The machines were brought over 7,000 kilometers from the Primorye region on the Sea of Japan to military airfields in the Brest area near the Polish border, as the Ministry of Defense in Moscow announced. The ministry did not provide any information on their exact number.
The West fears that Russia is preparing to invade Ukraine. The military leaders in Belarus and Russia have repeatedly emphasized that the troop deployment is purely for training purposes, does not pose a threat to anyone and is in accordance with international law. Moscow and Minsk have denied Western accusations that they are preparing for an invasion of neighboring Ukraine. The maneuver is scheduled to take place from February 10th to 20th.
With tens of thousands of Russian soldiers deployed near Ukraine, there are fears that the Kremlin is planning an invasion. Moscow denies that. It is also considered possible that the Russian side wants to stir up fears in order to persuade NATO to make concessions on demands for new security guarantees.
NATO had also accused Russia of currently relocating around 30,000 soldiers to Belarus, north of Ukraine. The combat troops would also come with aircraft, nuclear-capable Iskander missiles, S-400 air defense systems and special units of the GRU military intelligence service.
Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu said the total number of troops involved in the maneuvers did not exceed a maximum set in 2011. This could have a maximum of 13,000 soldiers, 300 tanks, 500 armored vehicles and 3500 paratroopers.