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| Russia Reveals Joint Force Plan With Belarus |
Moscow - Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Galuzin explained what Moscow will do with its key ally, Belarus. According to Galuzin, the combined Russian-Belarusian military forces only played a defensive role.
On Saturday (24/12/2022), the diplomat also dismissed speculation that the troops could be deployed in the Ukrainian conflict. Speaking to RIA Novosti, Galuzin noted, "The task of the joint Russian-Belarusian troop group is, if necessary, to fight potential aggressors, if the territory of our allied Belarus is attacked." At the same time, he added, "It is incorrect to raise questions regarding the possible use of these forces in special military operations in Ukraine."
The diplomat explained that according to the Russian and Belarusian Union State military doctrine, if a member state is attacked, such a move will be considered as an invasion of the organization as a whole. "Relevant response steps in this case remain at the discretion of the Russian and Belarusian political and military leaderships," he said.
The joint force was first announced in early October by Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko, citing increased NATO military activity on the country's borders. They are said to comprise around 9,000 Russian troops, with around 70,000 Belarusian service members making up the bulk of the force.
Earlier this month, the Belarusian president said the two countries' militaries were "training like one force, one army." Minsk has also repeatedly accused neighboring Ukraine of trying to stage provocations and harboring plans for an attack in Belarus, which Kiev vehemently denies.
Earlier this week, Russian President Vladimir Putin held talks with Lukashenko in Minsk, claiming during a press conference that the two allied countries would continue their joint exercises to increase their military readiness.
He also reiterated that Russia has absolutely no plans or interest in “swallowing” Belarus. Putin added that Moscow only intends to promote economic integration with Minsk. Belarus is a close ally of Russia and allows Moscow to use its territory during military operations in Ukraine.