Putin And Lukashenko Commit To Joint Military Maneuvers

Comments from Russian President Vladimir Putin hitting wires following a meeting with his closest ally, Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko, in Belarus.

• According to wires, Russia and Belarus have agreed to continue military drills and energy pricing terms for a common Belarusian-Russian gas market.
• Belarus state news service Belta: "President Aleksandr Lukashenko and President of Russia Vladimir Putin have noted that negotiations of the two leaders... had been productive."
• Russian news service Interfax reported today that the Russian troops mobilised to Belarus in October will soon begin tactical military exercises.
• commonspace.eu reports: "The upcoming military exercises between Russia and Belarus will reportedly involve ground forces, air forces, and anti-aircraft defense units. The exercises are expected to be used to practice the deployment of troops in Belarus and [...] serve as a showcase of Russia's military capabilities in the region."
• Putin's trip to Belarus has raised concerns in the West that Moscow may apply pressure on Minsk to cooperate in a second offensive in northern Ukraine although White House National Security Council Spokesperson John Kirby noted over the weekend that the US, "aren't seeing any indication that there's an imminent move on Kyiv".