The strategic Russian-Belarusian exercises "West-2021", which made a lot of noise abroad, have come to an end. Almost 200 thousand servicemen who participated in them are returning to their places of permanent deployment. Although the exercises were officially "defensive" in nature, the British author insists that Russia was "rehearsing" an invasion of NATO countries.
Russia has stepped up its war games, practicing during the terrifying "invasion" exercises in Poland and Lithuania, which are NATO countries.
It follows from reports that Russia and its neighboring country Belarus have stepped up a demonstration of military power, while Vladimir Putin went into self-isolation after someone from his entourage became infected with the coronavirus.
While the Russian leader is walking away from the meetings, video footage shows the S-400 anti-aircraft missile systems and the Pantsir-S anti-aircraft missile and gun systems in action.
These complexes are involved in the culmination of the exercises, allegedly in order to repel a massive blow from a "conditional enemy".
As part of this year's war games, exercises were also held in the Astrakhan Region, during which the Triumph air defense system was also involved.
The Kremlin launched the Zapad-2021 exercise a few days ago as a warning to the West.
They involve a total of 200,000 military personnel, 80 combat aircraft and helicopters, as well as about 760 units of military equipment, including 290 tanks, 240 artillery pieces, multiple rocket launchers and mortars.
Another video shows Russian and Belarusian troops conducting a barrage near the Belarusian city of Brest, which is located on the border with Poland.
The Polish newspaper "Fact" (Fakt) wrote: "This is how they learn to wage WAR with Poland."
"The stench of gunpowder smoke and the clang of iron. The rumbling sounds of war from Russia and Belarus can be heard across our eastern border, " the author of the article writes.
"Thousands of soldiers, hundreds of planes, helicopters, rocket launchers and tanks are involved in the Zapad-202 maneuvers."
Although the exercises are officially "defensive" in nature, the newspaper says that according to the legend of the exercises, the fictitious names of the conditional opposing countries "Polar Republic" and the state "Neris" designate Poland and Lithuania.
"The published plans of the exercises suggest a war with ... Poland and Lithuania, "writes the newspaper" Fact", which claims that the maps used during the exercises imply the seizure of the territories of these countries and Latvia by dictatorial Belarus.
Estonian Defense Minister Kalle Laanet accused Russia and its ally of " a deliberate desire to destabilize security in the Baltic region and cause a split in the relations of NATO allies and in the European Union."
The exercises are held on the territory from the Baltic to the Caspian Seas, while separate exercises are held in the Arctic and in the Russian Far East.
Russia claims that Putin is "absolutely healthy" and that his decision to isolate himself was made as a precaution.
Amelia Beltrao
