Russia does not intend to occupy Belarus under the pretext of conducting military exercises "West - 2017".

This was stated by the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Russia Sergey Lavrov, the press service of the Russian Foreign Ministry.

"Firstly, lamentations and lamentations about our exercises with the Republic of Belarus have been observed for several years already. At the present time, we are preparing the exercises "West - 2017". A couple of years ago there were exercises "Shield of the Union - 2015". The same screams were heard that now Russian troops supposedly for the exercise will enter, and then remain there forever and occupy the Republic of Belarus. The greatest delirium, probably, it is difficult to imagine, "- said the chief of Russian diplomacy.

According to him, the data on the preparation of the Russian Federation for securing troops in Belarus are rumors that have been repeatedly refuted by both Moscow and Minsk.

As the "Observer" wrote, the joint Russian-Belarusian exercises "West-2017" will be held in September at several training ranges in Russia and Belarus. Moscow considers their response to the strengthening of NATO in Eastern Europe. In maneuvers will be involved about 3000 Russian servicemen and 280 units of military equipment.

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