Russian defense minister describes Belarus as Russia’s closest ally, reliable partner

Andrey Belousov drew attention to joint events that contribute to ensuring the military security of the two countries. “We regularly conduct combat shakedowns of formations and military units assigned to the regional force grouping. We give priority attention to joint practical actions based on the cutting-edge experience of Russia’s special military operation. In September-October the strategic command and staff exercise Center 2026 took place. Simultaneously with it, according to a single concept, the CSTO exercises took place: Vzaimodeistviye [Interaction] with the collective rapid response forces, Poisk [Search] with reconnaissance forces and assets, and Eshelon [Echelon] with logistics support units,” he said.

The Russian defense minister noted the diversity of avenues of cooperation implemented by Belarus and Russia. “We continue training military personnel in educational organizations of the Russian Defense Ministry. At present 418 Belarusian military personnel study at 24 military universities under a single curriculum and programs. Training in the most in-demand specializations has been organized at premises of Russia’s Interservice Combat Training Center in Mulino. As many as 1,315 people have completed training there in the interests of Belarus’ Armed Forces. We continue paying heightened attention to cooperation in the military technology sphere. We are establishing cooperation between the defense industries of the two countries. We are developing interaction in the field of culture. In May 2027 we will organize the Avanpost international festival of army culture and art involving artistic groups of the armed forces of Russia, Belarus, and other friendly states,” he added.

The achieved level of comprehensive cooperation enables the prompt accomplishment of tasks to neutralize the entire spectrum of modern challenges and threats to the security of the two countries, Andrey Belousov stressed.