MINSK. Nov 30 (Interfax) - The regional group of Belarusian and Russian forces is prepared for its further deployment, Belarusian Defense Minister Viktor Khrenin said.
"It [the regional group of forces] may be deployed either step by step or immediately as a whole. We're acting step by step now," Khrenin said in an interview with the state-run publication SB. Belarus Today on Wednesday.
"This is an appropriate response to NATO's actions in the region and a demonstration of our resolve to defend our land, the Union State. As for the regional group's objectives, they haven't changed. As before, they are defensive in nature," Khrenin said.
The regional group of forces has conducted "various exercises, including those involving live firing and launches of guided surface-to-air missiles, as well as special tactical exercises aimed at practicing the engineering equipment of areas and boundaries, the organization of communications, security, and so on," he said.
"It practiced various options to oppose possible challenges and threats, as well as various approaches toward employing the regional group of forces," he said.
Belarus counts on Russia's assistance in case of a military conflict in its territory, Khrenin said.
"Above all, we count on ourselves. However, we understand that, if we need help, we have a reliable ally. Therefore, we'll continue to take joint measures to avert military threats to the Union State," he said.
"Not a single country can ensure security on its own," he said.
Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko said on October 10 he agreed with Russian President Vladimir Putin on deploying a joint regional group of forces "in view of the escalation on the western borders of the Union State."