MINSK. Feb 16 (Interfax) - Participants in the Belarusian-Russian Union Resolve 2022 joint operational exercise have practiced a tactical episode involving live firing on Wednesday, the Belarusian Defense Ministry said.
"The military personnel of the 11th separate mechanized brigade acted out a tactical episode involving live fire at the 230th combined-arms training range: infantry, artillery and tank units have taken part in a defensive combat followed by a counterattack," the Belarusian ministry said in a statement.
Russia and Belarus are conducting a preparedness check of the Union State's rapid response forces. Troops were redeployed and a contingent was formed at the first stage, which ended on February 9, and the Union Resolve 2022 exercise is taking place at the second stage, between February 10 and February 20.
The exercise involves Belarusian forces and units of the Russian Eastern Military District, Aerospace Forces and Airborne Forces. S-400 Triumph long-range air defense missile systems, Pantsir-S short-range air defense missile systems, Sukhoi Su-35 fourth-generation multirole fighter jets, and Su-25SM attack planes were deployed from Russia to Belarus.
The exercise is taking place at several locations across Belarus: four training ranges (Obuz Lesnovsky, Osipovichi, Brest, and Gozha), several terrains and four airfields (Baranovichi, Luninets, Lida, and Machulishchi).
The Belarusian General Staff has said that the Russian troops would leave the country when the exercise is over.