Belarusian, Russian defense ministers discuss military-political situation

June 24, BPN. Belarusian Defense Minister Viktar Chrenin and his Russian counterpart, Sergey Shoygu, met in Moscow on June 23 to discuss military-technical cooperation, patriotic education and preparations for the Union Shield 2023 exercise, the Belarusian ministry’s press service reported.

“Circumstances dictate the need to take urgent joint measures to strengthen the Union State’s defense capability, increase the combat readiness of the regional grouping of troops (forces) and of the unified regional air defense system,” Shoygu said, as quoted by TASS.

He added that Russia was ready to provide “any kind of support to Belarusian friends.”

Belarus allowed Russian troops and weapons to move through the country’s territory, use its airspace, refuel and store military equipment and attack Ukraine from its territory on February 24.

Tension on the Belarusian-Ukrainian border has eased after Ukraine repelled the attack on its northern areas. However, the Belarusian Armed Forces have conducted regular exercises, and Kyiv says that Belarus may be preparing for an offensive. Minsk denies having aggressive plans.