Opinions & Interviews

MINSK, 21 June (BelTA) – The preparations for the Belarusian-Russian joint strategic army exercise Zapad 2017 (West 2017) are moving forward according to the schedule, Belarusian Defense Minister Andrei Ravkov told the media on 21 June, BelTA has learned.

“The preparations for the exercise are on schedule,” the Belarusian defense minister remarked.

Speaking about financing, he pointed out that the sides keep within the budget allocated for combat and operational training.

The Zapad 2017 exercise is scheduled to take place on 14-20 September. It will represent the final stage in this year’s joint training curriculum for the Belarusian and Russian armies. Such exercises are held every two years in Belarus or Russia by the decision of the heads of state. The forthcoming exercise will practice preparing and deploying a military force to ensure the military security of the Union State of Belarus and Russia.