MINSK, 16 February (BelTA) – After the exercise all Russian troops and Russian hardware will leave Belarus, Belarusian Minister of Foreign Affairs Vladimir Makei said at a press conference in Minsk on 16 February, BelTA has learned.
The minister noted that Belarus and Russia have the reason to conduct joint exercises, because NATO has increased its activity in the West, including in the countries neighboring on Belarus.
"Not a single serviceman, not a single piece of military hardware [of the Armed Forces of Russia] will stay in Belarus after the exercise finishes," Vladimir Makei said. The defense ministries of the two countries have already made relevant statements.
The minister also noted that conducting joint exercises, Belarus and Russia have not violated a single international agreement or a document.
