GettyRussia is holding joint military exercises with Belarus – a former Soviet State – in what reports are calling a mock invasion.
More than 900 troops gathered in Brest, Belarus – just a few miles from the border with Poland – on Monday.
About 600 Russian paratroopers, at least 30 units of armoured vehicles and 10 aircraft will practice ‘landing and combat shooting,’ the Daily Star reports.
GettyThe exercise will run today and tommorow, according to reports, and the allies will hold more manoeuvres near Moscow today.
One battalion of airborne special forces from Belarus will also allegedly take part in the exercises in Rayazan, about three hours south of the Russian capital.
A Russian defence ministry spokesman said:
In order to improve professionalism and interaction between the Russian and Belarusian paratroopers, we formed mixed crews in combat vehicles.
Marines from the two countries have practiced dismounting from armoured personnel carriers on the move, crossing water obstacles, as well as offensive and defensive tactical manoeuvres.
GettyThe moves come as Russia carries out a number of military exercises amid a breakdown in relations with the West and fears World War 3 could break out.
Just last week, the country held a surprise drill for 20,000 troops.
And 40 million citizens – almost a third of the country – practiced for a nuclear strike earlier this month.
GettyYesterday, President Vladimir Putin unveiled his new ‘Super Satan 2’ nukes – which are capable of destroying a country as big as France with a single strike, the Mirror reports.
Does Russia know something we don’t?
