Russian forces in Belarus to begin combat exercises

Russian soldiers deployed to Belarus are set to begin tactical exercises, Russian news agency Interfax reported on Monday, citing Russia’s defense ministry.

Belarusian leader Alexander Lukashenko (right) and Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu (left) meet in Minsk, Belarus, on Saturday, December 3, 2022.

Photo: EPA/BELARUS PRESIDENT PRESS-SERVICE via PAP

“After the end of the exercises, the command will publish a final assessment of the combat capability and readiness of the troops,” the Russian defense ministry said in a statement.

No date or location of the exercises were provided in the statement, the Reuters news agency reported.

In October, Belarus’ defense ministry announced that 9,000 Russian soldiers were being transferred to Belarus as part of the creation of a “regional grouping for the protection of its borders.”

Monday is day 299 of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

(jh/gs)

Source: PAP, Reuters