Belarus has launched four-day military exercises near its borders with Poland and Lithuania. According to Euronews, the maneuvers involve mechanized and tank battalions practicing border security, counter-sabotage operations, and defense against drone and light aircraft attacks.
Part of the training is taking place near the Suwalki Gap—a 104-kilometer stretch of the Polish-Lithuanian border that provides the only land connection between the Baltic states and the rest of NATO territory, while separating Belarus from the Russian Kaliningrad Oblast. Locations include the Gozha training ground near the Lithuanian border, as well as the Brestsky and Ruzhansky ranges, located approximately 15 and 60 kilometers from the Polish border, respectively.
Statements from the Ministry of Defense and previous exercises
The Belarusian Ministry of Defense described the exercises as “purely defensive.” The ministry stated that the number of personnel and equipment involved does not exceed the thresholds set by the 2011 Vienna Document, which would otherwise require advance notification to other states. The exact number of troops participating in the exercises was not disclosed.
Belarus has conducted military exercises near NATO borders for many years, often involving Russian personnel in the past. In 2020, the Slavic Brotherhood maneuvers were held in the Brest region, followed by the Zapad-2021 exercises in 2021.
On September 11, Aleksandr Lukashenko visited the Obuz-Lesnovsky training ground near Baranovichi. At the time, he stated that he wanted to inspect the performance of the entire state security sector.
In February 2022, Belarusian authorities allowed Russian forces to use Belarusian territory and infrastructure to conduct a military operation against Ukraine. However, the Belarusian armed forces have not directly participated in combat operations on Ukrainian territory.
According to data from the Ukrainian State Border Guard Service, cited by Euronews, Russian forces use Belarusian relay stations to control drones attacking targets in western Ukraine. Belarus also continues to provide Russia with infrastructure and logistical support.
Source: ZN.UA
