Belarus and Russia Approve Joint Maneuvers Amid Rising Tensions with NATO
Belarus and Russia approved the joint maneuver plan 'Union Shield 2027' during a meeting of the joint council of defense ministers, amid escalating tensions with NATO and its enhanced military presence near the border.
Translated by Qiyas from كونا — Original source
Moscow, October 22 (KUNA) -- Minsk announced on Thursday that Belarus and Russia have approved a joint exercise plan amid rising tensions with the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), following the alliance’s military buildup near the borders of the two countries.
In a statement, the Belarusian Ministry of Defense said the approval of the joint operational exercise plan, “Union Shield 2027,” came during a meeting of the joint council of the two countries’ defense ministers, attended by Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko in the capital, Minsk. The statement clarified that the upcoming exercises aim to confirm both countries’ readiness to defend their sovereignty and safeguard their territorial integrity. Belarusian Defense Minister Viktor Khrenin emphasized that the exercises are purely defensive in nature.
In this context, the Russian news agency RIA Novosti quoted Russian Defense Minister Andrei Belousov as saying during the meeting that “NATO countries are strengthening their military presence near the borders of Russia and Belarus,” adding that the alliance is conducting exercises simulating “offensive scenarios against the two countries.” He further stated that NATO, European Union, and Ukrainian officials are “walking the path of escalation,” warning that “the accelerating militarization of Europe poses a severe danger.” He noted that he had stressed during talks with President Lukashenko that “the international situation continues to deteriorate and is becoming less predictable.”
In a related development, the Belarusian news agency Belta reported that an exchange of soldiers’ remains between Russia and Ukraine took place near the Belarusian border, without providing further details on the number of remains or the mechanism of the operation.
These developments come as military coordination between Minsk and Moscow continues, while NATO countries assert that their military buildup on the alliance’s eastern flank falls under deterrence and collective defense measures. Russia and Belarus, however, view these moves as increasing security pressures on their borders.
The approval of the “Union Shield 2027” exercise plan also takes place within the framework of close military cooperation between Russia and Belarus, members of the Union State, which is enhancing their defensive coordination. (End) Dan / T.M.A
