Page 52 - bne IntelliNews monthly magazine October 2024

52 I Eastern Europe bne October 2024
As discussions of a potential "direct clash" between Russia and Nato in the Ukraine war grow, Belarus and Russia are finalising security agreements ahead of their joint military exercises, Zapad 2025 (West 2025), later this year.
Belarus and Russia strengthen security ties amid rising tensions
Leon Aris in Berlin
As the talk turns to a possible “direct clash” between Russia and Nato in the escalating Ukraine war, Belarus and Russia are tighten-
ing their mutual security agreements, with negotiations expected to conclude ahead of the annual joint military exercises Zapod 2025 (West 2025) later this year. These manoeuvres could serve as cover for the formation of a Russian- Belarusian strike group, reports Belarus in Focus September 15.
Belarusian Security Council Secretary Aliaksandr Valfovich said both nations are deepening military and political integration in a recent interview. The
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increasing presence of US and Nato forces near the borders of the “Union State” of Belarus and Russia has esca- lated tensions in Eastern Europe.
“Over 30,000 Nato troops are stationed in the region, with 20,000 deployed in Poland and the Baltic States,” he said.
A US tank battalion is also permanently positioned along the Lithuanian-Belaru- sian border, while Poland has mobilised 17,000 troops along its eastern frontier, according to Valfovich.
Nato’s ongoing expansion – now includ- ing Finland and Sweden as members –further fuels Belarus and Russia's
concerns. The Alliance is seen as pursu- ing the inclusion of Balkan countries and post-Soviet states, prompting Minsk and Moscow to enhance their security cooperation.
Since 2000, Belarus and Russia have operated the Regional Force Grouping and launched the Unified Regional Air Defence System in 2009. Joint military exercises and operations are ongoing, and Belarus is adjusting its military strategy based on Russia's experience in its “special military operation” in Ukraine. Valfovich noted the need to strengthen Belarus’ military presence along the Ukrainian border due to