Photo: Belarus MOD

The Belarusian Air Force conducts tactical missile defense exercises today.

The exercises will involve air defense missile force units using the Russian S-300 and Tor M2K anti-air systems. The Belarussian forces will defend again simulated drone and precision missile attacks on ground forces and critical infrastructure.

In the last few years, Belarus has grown closer  to Russia, supporting President Putin’s invasion of Ukraine and Russia supporting Belarusian President Lukashenko’s grip on power. The relationship has allowed Russia to launch an assault on Kiev from Belarus, and Russian troops have remained based in Belarus since. The Belarusian and Russian militaries have continued increased cooperation, and Russia recently announced plans to place nuclear weapons in Belarus.

Expect Belarus to maintain its close relations with Russia. President Lukashenko relies on support from Moscow to stay in power and has largely tied his foreign policy to Putin. However, it is unlikely Belarusian forces will become directly involved in the Ukraine war in the short- or medium-term. Direct military involvement is unpopular among the populace, and casualties may be enough to push citizens to rise against the regime again. Instead, Minsk will continue to train with and base Russian troops and provide rhetorical support for Russia.