Russian troops begin Belarus deployment

Synopsis

The first of 9,000 Russian troops arrive in Belarus, as Minsk and Moscow establish a joint military unit to defend Belarus's borders. Belarus's leader, Alexander Lukashenko, claims the country faces threats from neighboring Ukraine and its Western allies. Ukraine accuses Moscow of attempting to draw Belarus into the ongoing conflict. Images released by Belarus's defense Ministry confirm the deployment, with Russian military vehicles and soldiers arriving from Moscow. Lukashenko announced the plan for this joint unit over a week ago, and while he denies any intention to attack Ukraine, Russia's Vladimir Putin has been using Belarus as a base for airstrikes against Kiev. Ukraine has also been conducting military drills near the border with Belarus, indicating heightened tensions in the region. The situation remains uncertain as Belarus attempts to showcase a welcoming environment for the Russian troops.