Russia announced on Thursday that its troops are taking part in tactical exercises in Belarus, amid fears that Moscow is pressuring its ally to become more involved in the war in Ukraine, Reuters reported.

Belarus has said it will not intervene directly in the war in Ukraine, but Belarusian President Oleksandr Lukashenko previously ordered his troops to be deployed alongside Russian troops near the border with Ukraine, citing threats from Kyiv and the West.

In a statement, the Ministry of Defense of Russia reported that “servicemen of the Western Military District continue intensive combat training as part of the Armed Forces of the Republic of Belarus.”

According to the Russian agency, “actions of combat training will take place both during the day and at night.”

“Military personnel practice shooting from all types of small arms, as well as mine-explosive devices, improve their skills in piloting combat vehicles, take courses in psychological obstacles, study tactical medicine and other disciplines,” the Russian ministry added.

In a video released by the ministry, Russian soldiers in snow gear can be seen next to tanks in the winter landscape, firing weapons, including artillery. (Agerpress)