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MOSCOW, 9 Jan. (DPA/EP) –
The Belarusian Ministry of Defense has reported that it will carry out joint air maneuvers with Russia for a period of two weeks.
“From January 16 to February 1, 2023, collective air tactical exercises of the Armed Forces of Belarus and Russia will take place,” the Ministry reported in a message on Telegram.
Several Russian units arrived in Belarus on Sunday for these maneuvers. These exercises will involve all the bases and training areas of the Belarusian Air Force.
The two countries have created a joint task force formally announced last fall to protect their external borders, though Russia’s invasion of Ukraine makes kyiv wary.
This unit involves 9,000 Russian soldiers who are permanently stationed on Belarusian soil, which raises fears that it is the spearhead of a possible offensive against Ukraine.
