Russia and Belarus are extending joint military exercises that were due to end on February 20, the Belarus defense minister said, in a move that further intensifies pressure on Ukraine as the West warns of an imminent Russian incursion.
Viktar Khrenin said in a statement that the decision had been taken "in connection with the increase in military activity near the external borders" of Russia and Belarus and because of rising tension in eastern Ukraine.
SEE ALSO: Ukraine Live Briefing: Moscow Denies Using ICBMNATO says Russia has up to 30,000 troops in Belarus and could use them as part of an invasion force to attack Ukraine, but Moscow denies any such intention.
On February 19, Russian President Vladimir Putin and Belarusian leader Alyaksandr Lukashenka watched from the Kremlin situation room drills by Russia’s nuclear forces that involved its latest hypersonic and cruise missiles.
SEE ALSO: Putin Oversees Russia's Strategic Nuclear Exercises As Tensions Soar Over UkraineThe drills follow maneuvers by the Russian military in recent months that have included a buildup of troops -- estimated by the West to number 150,000 or more -- to the north, east, and south of Ukraine.