Russia and Belarus form common energy and financial markets, kick off joint military exercises

Belarusian leader Alexander Lukashenko and Russian president Vladimir Putin have decided to deepen economic ties between their two nations.
During their recent meeting, they agreed on forming common energy and financial markets. The move comes as Belarus faces Western sanctions, in response to political repression in the country. The two countries have also started joint military exercises that are being closely monitored by NATO.
But many Belarusians don't want their country to be reliant on Russia, and have criticized Moscow's growing dominance.

Zapad 2021
The "Zapad 2021" (West 2021) strategic exercises are set to kick off on September 10 in four training grounds in Belarus and nine in Russia. Some 200,000 soldiers will be participating in total. According to information from Minsk, only 12,800 soldiers, including 2,500 from Russia and 50 from Kazakhstan, will be involved in the first part, which is taking place on Belarusian territory.

So far, the Collective Rapid Reaction Force (CRRF) of the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) have conducted military exercises in Russia and Belarus every two years. The "West" exercises last took place in 2017.

This year, forces from Armenia, Kazakhstan, India, Kirgisztan, Mongolia, Serbia and Sri Lanka will also participate in the second part on Russian soil. China, Vietnam, Myanmar, Pakistan and Uzbekistan will send observers.

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[jjoyjit_]

Russian and Belarusian soldiers joining hands
Meanwhile....
Indian soldier - 😎

[CT-vliu]

...this is an opportunity given to Russia by west and US ....same like China Russia relationships. Putin is smart to grab it. This will create an even tougher situation for Ukraine...that share a huge border with Belarus. Belarus is one the top trade partners of Ukraine...

[zil]

*Indian Armed force's Personnel is featured prominently in the Zapad 2021🇮🇳*

[Lea_Kaderova]

Good, natural order of things is restoring.

[ggrey]

This is excellent to see. Russia and Belarus are effectively two brothers. I hope Russia will rebuild its influence in the West and stop the expansion of the US Empire. I am old enough to remember the CCCP. I now understand that its breakup was actually against the will of its people, 80% of whom voted to preserve the CCCP in the 1991 referendum. Clearly, the CCCP benefited most of its people, as the republics in Asia and the Caucasus were even more enthusiastic for it, as the union brought economic development to their area that was otherwise devoid of it. I hope some form of the CCCP can return.

[ammonitin]

Indian Flag on the helmet of one the soldiers at the thumbnail

[utkarshdubey]

Belarus, india, china, russia, pakistan, iran, north korea thats it nato is nothing infront of this group i think russia should add more countries in csto

[war]

“Full integration of Russia and Belarus is unpopular in Belarus” Lol that’s just not true… who did you ask? The jobless teens protesting in the street last year because they don’t have 5 new BMWs and a new 3, 000 square meter house (like they think everyone in the European Union has)? Belarus has done a way better job with its country than Ukraine but it still has problems. Truth is if these countries both fully integrated it would be good for both of them especially Belarus. Their living standards would improve 2 fold and they would be able to get a lot more done.

[igorverevkin]

When you say "many belorussians don't want their country to depend on Russia" can you prove your statement? On the very top of anti-Lukashenko protests the number of people who were protesting was less than 100 thousand, which is a tiny fraction of the population. The west gave them a great example of what happens when you decide to be absolutely anti-russian while being Russia's neighbor - it's Ukraine, which lost territories, money and 10 million people in 6 years.

[kromm-liek]

Instead of being dependent on Moscow, maybe Belarus should be dependent on Brussels ond Washington, like Ukraine, poorest country in Europe..

[gedionatphysicsmathelectro]

I am always for unity than division! Any chance we can get Canada? May be we should start with Puerto Rico.

[rodgerbloor]

Why is an Indian soldier on the thumbnail ?
I am confused

[benghazi]

What is Lukashenko doing?! Is he getting old and naive?

Don't think Putin forgot how Lukashenko tried to take over the whole Russian state after the Soviet fell.
And now the tables are turned, and Putin will sooner or later annex Belarus, and Lukashenko is helping him! Amazing..

[hamzaalsagaier]

Putin no want repeat what happened in Ukraine again in Belarus !!

[Crashed]

Slowly bringing back the USSR good times .
Good work Putin. Canceling those silly elections will make it easier .

[ansh]

Seems Belarusian camera was used to film this segment.

[InFamouKiller]

im surprised Russia hasn't annexed belarus already

[darkmatter]

Years ago, Lukashenko was in a position to blackmail to Russia using the EU. Now, he's practically asking for an Anschluss just to keep himself in power.

[VC-kjyx]

Can I shine the heels of the DW news reporter?

[bagalur]

Belarus for Russia its like Canada for US.