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Russia and Belarus have begun 10 days of training exercises reportedly aimed at "repelling external aggression," the Russian Ministry of Defense said in a statement Thursday. The Allied Resolve-2022 drills will end February 20, the ministry said.
While a reason for starting the drills now was not given in the ministry's statement, the exercises could be a response to heightening tensions between Russia and the U.S. over a potential Russian invasion of Ukraine. The U.S. has repeatedly said that Russia is planning a military attack, which Russia continues to deny. Meanwhile, both countries have increased their military presence near Ukraine.
In its statement on the drills with Belarus, the Russian ministry said, "The purpose of the exercise is to work out the tasks of suppressing and repelling external aggression while conducting a defensive operation, countering terrorism and protecting the interests of the Union State."
The statement also gave some details of what these drills will entail. The goals include being able to "strengthen the protection of the state border to prevent the infiltration of armed groups of militants, to block the channels of delivery of weapons and ammunition, to search, block, destroy illegal armed formations and sabotage and reconnaissance groups of a mock enemy."
Meanwhile, the U.S. has begun deploying troops near Ukraine. The U.S. is sending 1,700 troops that will be stationed along the Polish border. It is not known whether they will hold drills and training exercises in the coming days.
"Our national contribution here in Poland shows our solidarity with all of our allies here in Europe, and, obviously, during this period of uncertainty we know that we are stronger together," said U.S. Major General Christopher Donahue upon his arrival in Poland this past Sunday.
As Russia and the U.S. expand their military presence in the region, Ukrainians are simply hoping for the best.
"In general, I believe that Western partners, America and the common sense of civilized people are influencing and helping to deter Russia from a full-scale attack on Ukraine," artist Polina Doroshenko told Newsweek. "Maybe I'm an optimist. But at the same time, I feel that all our strategic partners are tired and more thinking about their own interests when the Ukrainian theme is backstage."
Businessman Andrii Susenko said, "I don't believe there will be a full-blown invasion or full-blown war at this point. But definitely we should expect tension in the eastern parts of Ukraine."
Update 02/10/2022, 11:46 a.m. EST: This story has been updated with more background and information.
