Russia and Belarus began their large-scale joint military exercises "West 2025" today, Reuters reported, citing the Russian Defense Ministry, BTA reported.
The exercises will be held on the territories of both countries, as well as in the Baltic and Barents Seas.
"West 2025" are a show of force from Russia and its close ally, Reuters notes, drawing attention to the fact that the exercises begin at a time of great tension in Russia's war against Ukraine - two days after Poland shot down suspected Russian drones that violated its airspace.
Reuters notes that the exercises were planned long before the drone incident. "The goals of the exercises are to improve the skills of commanders and headquarters, the level of interaction and field training of regional and coalition groups of troops," the Russian Defense Ministry said in a statement on the Telegram messaging app.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said yesterday that the exercises were not directed against any country.