During the maneuvers, the joint troops will practice confronting and repelling an alleged external aggression, countering terrorism and protecting the interests of the two allied nations, the ministries of Defense of the two countries informed.

The exercises were preceded by a first test phase, from late January to February 9, when the countries redeployed their forces, formed groups of troops in determined areas, guarded important civilian and military facilities and protected air borders.

Belarusian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Aleinik stressed on Wednesday that the military forces from the the countries will return to their bases after the exercises, in response to speculations about the possible stationing of Russian troops in this country.

Earlier, Oleg Voinov, chief of the Belarusian Defense Ministry’s International Military Cooperation Department, noted that the drills take place in the context of the worsening of the politico-military situation in the world and the continued growth of tension in Europe, even in the country’s western and southern borders.

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