Russia reveals joint forces plans with key allies

FLY – Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Galuzin has explained what Moscow will do with its key ally, Belarus.

According to Galuzin, the combined Russo-Belarusian military forces played only a defensive role. On Saturday (12/24/2022), the diplomat also dismissed speculation that troops could be deployed in the Ukrainian conflict.

Speaking to RIA Novosti, Galuzin noted: “The task of the joint Russian-Belarusian group of troops is, if necessary, to fight off potential aggressors, if the territory of our ally Belarus is attacked.”

At the same time, he added, “it is incorrect to raise questions about the possible use of these forces in special military operations in Ukraine.”

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The diplomat explained that according to the military doctrine of the Russian and Belarusian Union State, if a member state is attacked, such a move will be considered as an invasion of the organization as a whole.

“The relevant response steps in this case remain at the discretion of the Russian and Belarusian political and military leaderships,” he said.

The joint force was first announced in early October by Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko, citing increased NATO military activity on the country’s borders.

They are said to comprise around 9,000 Russian troops, with around 70,000 Belarusian service members making up the bulk of the force.

Earlier this month, the Belarusian president said the two countries’ armed forces were “training as one force, one army”.