Russia sends additional aircraft to Belarus for exercises, not for attack on Ukraine

British Ministry of Defense reports on Twitter.

British intelligence draws attention to the fact that on January 8, 2023, the Belarusian Ministry of Defense announced the holding of joint Russian-Belarusian air-tactical exercises in the country from January 16 to February 1.

As of January 8, the arrival of 12 Mi-8 support helicopters, Mi-24 and Ka-52 attack helicopters was noticed. Several Z-marked planes also landed at Machulishchi Air Base near Minsk.

"The new deployment of Russian aircraft to Belarus is likely a genuine exercise, rather than a preparation for any additional offensive operations against Ukraine. Although Russia maintains a large number of forces in Belarus, they are mostly involved in training. They are unlikely to constitute a credible offensive force," British intelligence concluded.

• On January 8, Belarusian Ministry of Defense announced the holding of joint air-tactical exercises with Russia from January 16 to February 1.