Before the Invasion: The Russian-Belarusian Allied Resolve Exercises
Before the Invasion: The Russian-Belarusian Allied Resolve Exercises

Author(s): Anna Maria Dyner
Subject(s): International relations/trade, Security and defense, Military policy, Russian Aggression against Ukraine
Published by: PISM Polski Instytut Spraw Międzynarodowych
Keywords: Russia; foreign policy; Ukraine; invasion; Belarus; NATO;
Summary/Abstract: On 10-20 February, Belarus hosted the active phase of the Belarusian-Russian manoeuvres Allied Resolve, after which Russian troops remained in the country. The drills preceded the Russian invasion of Ukraine that started on 24 February. The scenario was an extension of last year’s Zapad exercises and simulated actions against the countries of NATO’s Eastern Flank and Ukraine. The manoeuvres showed Russia’s ability to deploy units over long distances (more than 10,000 km) and the high interoperability of the Russian and Belarusian armed forces. The growing military integration of Belarus and Russia, along with the decision to leave Russian military units in Belarus, is a challenge for NATO in the context of defending its Eastern Flank and its policy towards Ukraine.

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