Totally turned towards the east with the Russian offensive, Ukraine will have to cast an eye north.
Belarus, an ally of Russia and where the Russian offensive started on February 24, has just launched a “surprise” military exercise.
"The purpose of this test is to assess the preparation and ability of personnel to react quickly to a possible crisis," said the Belarusian Ministry of Defense.
Military units will work on their ability to "go on alert, move to predetermined areas and do combat training," the statement added.
The ministry released photos showing columns of vehicles, including tanks, driving down a road.
Belarus, ruled with an iron fist for nearly 30 years by Alexander Lukashenko, an ally of Russian President Vladimir Putin, serves as a rear and logistical base for Moscow's offensive against Ukraine.
Sign however that this indirect participation in the conflict is not unanimous in the country, several acts of sabotage, in particular railway, took place there for two months.
Several suspects have been arrested.
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