BREAKING NEWS

Belarus says joint troop deployment with Russia on border is defensive measure

Belarus said on Tuesday that its forces had grouped with Russian troops on its borders as a defensive measure.

"All the activities currently being carried out are aimed at responding adequately to actions near our borders," the defense ministry said.

President Alexander Lukashenko said on Monday he had ordered troops to deploy with Russian forces near Ukraine in response to what he said was a clear threat to Belarus from Kyiv and its backers in the West.