Russia and Belarus conduct joint military exercises described as ‘defensive operation’

A military exercise conducted by the armies of Russia and Belarus was being held February 10-20, 2022, in what Russia’s Defence Ministry described as training aimed at “conducting a defensive operation, countering terrorism and protecting the interests of the Union State”. Russia has already amassed at least 100,000 troops near the Ukrainian border. The exercises with Belarus code-named “Allied Resolve 2022” have heightened Western fears that Russia could invade Ukraine.