West’s aggression, need to respond: key remarks by Russian defense chief

MINSK, October 22. /TASS/. The West’s aggressive actions against Russia and Belarus are intensifying, with NATO, the European Union, and the Kiev regime deliberately pursuing a path of escalation, Russian Defense Minister Andrey Belousov said during a joint board meeting of the Russian and Belarusian Defense Ministries.

He emphasized that the North Atlantic Alliance’s military preparations require the armed forces of Russia and Belarus to respond promptly to changes in the military-political situation.

TASS has summarized the defense minister’s key statements.

Aggressive actions by the West

Aggressive actions by the West against Russia and Belarus are on the rise: "Today, the military-political situation surrounding our countries remains complex. We are observing a rapid increase in tensions and aggressive actions by the West against Russia and Belarus."

NATO, the European Union, and the Kiev regime are deliberately pursuing a path of escalation: "NATO, the EU, and the Kiev regime are deliberately pursuing a path of escalation. <…> The accelerated militarization of Europe poses a particular danger, as it is shifting industry toward military production and preparing infrastructure for the rapid deployment of armed forces."

NATO countries are increasing their military presence near the borders of Russia and Belarus: "The coalition’s military presence near our borders is growing."

In 2027, the North Atlantic Alliance plans "to bring eight multinational battalion tactical groups on its ‘eastern flank’ up to brigade strength in 2027."

NATO is also conducting exercises to rehearse offensive scenarios against Russia and Belarus: "The Alliance is conducting drills rehearsing offensive scenarios against our countries."

Need to respond

The North Atlantic Alliance’s military preparations require the armed forces of Russia and Belarus to respond promptly to changes in the military-political situation: "All of this requires us to respond in a timely manner to changes in the military-political situation - to strengthen cooperation in ensuring security and to build up our military capabilities. To this end, we are refining our approaches to the joint use of armed forces."

As part of this response, military personnel from both countries regularly conduct "combat coordination exercises for formations and units assigned to the regional grouping of troops (forces)": "We give priority to joint practical exercises based on best practices from the special military operation."

In September-October, the Center 2026 strategic command and staff exercise took place alongside the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) Rapid Reaction Forces’ Interaction maneuvers held according to a unified plan, the Search intelligence forces and assets exercise, and the Echelon logistical support exercise: "I would like to note the active participation of the Belarusian side in these events."

Cooperation with Belarus

Belarus and Russia are close allies and partners with shared cultural and moral values: "Belarus and Russia are strategic allies and partners, bound not only by treaty obligations but also by shared values, a shared history, and a shared responsibility for security within the Union State."

Russia and Belarus are developing cooperation between the defense-industrial complexes of the two countries: "We continue to pay special attention to cooperation in the military-technical sphere. We are establishing cooperation between the defense-industrial complexes of the two countries."

Russian military universities, he reported, continue to train Belarusian military personnel at the Russian Defense Ministry’s educational institutions: "Currently, 418 Belarusian military personnel are studying at 24 military universities under unified curricula and programs."

Training in the most sought-after specialties is organized at Russia’s joint-force combat training center in Mulino: "Since the start of the special military operation, 1,315 people have undergone training there on behalf of the Armed Forces of the Republic of Belarus."

"We are developing cooperation in the field of culture. In May 2027, we will organize the Avanpost International Festival of Army Culture and Creativity, featuring ensembles from the armed forces of Russia, Belarus, and other friendly nations."

The extensive cooperation achieved between the military departments of Russia and Belarus ensures the prompt fulfillment of tasks aimed at countering the full spectrum of modern challenges and threats to the security of both countries.