Summary
Russia and Belarus conducted joint military exercises, featuring cruise missile launches over the Barents Sea. These drills included 7,000 soldiers and came amidst heightened tensions with NATO. NATO members have expressed concern over recent airspace violations linked to these exercises.
Key Facts
- Russia and Belarus held military exercises called Zapad, which means "West" in Russian.
- The exercises involved launching cruise missiles over the Barents Sea.
- About 7,000 soldiers participated, including 6,000 from Belarus.
- Russia's Tu-160 bombers carried out training during the drills.
- These exercises occurred after NATO countries reported airspace violations by drones.
- Poland closed its border with Belarus temporarily due to these tensions.
- Belarusian Defense Minister was set to observe a part of the exercises in Russia.
- The United States observed part of the exercises in Belarus.
