Russia’s key ally Belarus invited US military representatives to joint military drills being staged on Monday, amid escalating tensions between Russia and NATO over its offensive on Ukraine.
The Zapad (West) drills, running until Tuesday across Belarus, have spooked NATO’s eastern members following the downing of Russian drones in its airspace.
“The best viewing seats will be provided for you,” Belarusian Defence Minister Viktor Khrenin told US military attache Bryan Shoupe in a visit to the drills in the Belarusian city of Barysaw, east of Minsk.
Minsk said Monday that around 7,000 troops were taking part in the drills — 6,000 from Belarus and 1,000 from Russia.
Visits by US army representatives to drills staged by Russia or its allies are rare, especially after Moscow invaded Ukraine in February 2022.
“Thank you for the invitation,” said Shoupe, shaking hands with Khrenin.
Representatives from 22 other countries — including NATO members Turkey and Hungary — were also observing the drills.
US President Donald Trump has sought to open dialogue with Belarus since returning to the White House earlier this year.
He phoned his Belarusian counterpart Alexander Lukashenko, has despatched envoys to the country and is pushing him to release political prisoners.
More than 50 were freed last week, with the US announcing partial sanctions relief on state airline Belavia.
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