Modern Russian and Belarusian weapons systems conduct intense military exercises near the Ukrainian border.
The armies of Russia and Belarus held intense joint exercises on February 3rd at the Brestsky firing range, near the border with Ukraine.
Interfax reported that Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu visited Belarus to inspect the preparations of the two countries' forces for joint exercises this month, amid tensions with the West over neighboring Ukraine.
A large number of combat helicopters, paratroopers, artillery, and tanks, notably a Russian S-400 missile defense system, have been deployed to Belarus for the exercises.(See video below. Source: SCMP)
Moscow's military moves are being closely watched by the West as Russia increases its troop presence near its border with Ukraine, raising concerns about the possibility of an invasion.
Meanwhile, Russia has denied planning an attack on Ukraine and has demanded that the United States and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) ensure that Kyiv will not be allowed to join the military coalition.
Russia deployed an undisclosed number of troops and equipment to Belarus, a country that also borders Ukraine, to participate in joint military exercises from February 10-20. Moscow stated that it would withdraw the forces and equipment after the exercises conclude.
