Collective Security Treaty Organization Military Exercises in Belarus: Russia, Belarus, and Others Participate
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Collective Security Treaty Organization Holds Military Exercises in Belarus
A group of countries known as the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO), led by Russia, recently engaged in military exercises in various parts of Belarus. The participating nations included Russia, Belarus, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, and Tajikistan. Armenia, another CSTO member, did not send any forces due to strained relations with Russia.
Purpose of the Exercises
The Belarusian Defense Ministry stated that the exercises, set to last until Wednesday, are aimed at preparing for joint operations, including responses to potential nuclear accidents.
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Exercise Locations and Concerns
The military exercises are taking place in three regions of western Belarus, which share borders with Poland and Lithuania, both NATO members. The Polish Foreign Minister, Zbigniew Rau, expressed concerns over the exercises, suggesting that their purpose is to destabilize the region.
Russian Presence and Ukrainian Response
Belarus currently hosts Russian forces and equipment that were involved in the conflict in Ukraine. It’s worth noting that the Belarusian forces did not participate in the exercises. Furthermore, Russia has claimed to have deployed tactical nuclear weapons in Belarus. In response, Ukraine has strengthened its border with Belarus.
