Media: Russian-Belarussian Zapad-2107 exercises enter active phase
The joint military Zapad-2017 exercises conducted by Russia and Belarus entered an active phase, during which a simulated attack by a potential enemy will be worked through, reports Belarusian news agency BelTA.
The second stage of the exercises began on September 17, during which issues will be worked out regarding directing troops and conducting military operations in order to repel aggression against the countries.
According to the agency, there are about 12,700 servicemen participating in the Russian-Belarusian exercises.
Earlier, West analysts said that up to 100,000 troops could participate in the Zapad-2017 exercises.
On September 8 in Minsk, a rally was held to protest the Zapad-2017 Russia-Belarus joint military exercises.
The protesters held signs that said “For a peaceful Belarus” and “Russian soldiers, go home! There is no vodka here.” Some held up the historic flags of Belarus and Ukraine.