The basic scenario of Russia's offensive on Poland and Lithuania involves the early introduction of Russian troops into Belarus, which was worked out by Moscow and Minsk during the rear part of the joint exercises "WEST-2021", says the Polish edition of Defence24.
The publication claims that "Belarus should be considered not only as an important region from a geopolitical point of view, but also as a key area for offensive and defensive operations in the Poland-Lithuania-Belarus triangle," allowing Russian troops to reach the Kaliningrad Region through the Suwalki corridor.
The publication notes that in a potential conflict, the infrastructure of the Belarusian railway system, which ensures the rapid movement of forces and resources, as well as Belarusian military training grounds, which allow receiving large forces and placing them in field camps, is of great importance.
According to Defence24, the complex logistical exercises preceding the active phase of the "WEST-2021" should be considered as a test of the capabilities of the Belarusian and Russian military to organize the logistical support of the offensive in the event of a military conflict with the Western side.
The publication writes that the scenario of the Russian-Belarusian exercises assumed damage to the railway infrastructure (bridges), which had to be restored by the forces of railway troops and civilian specialists. Defence24 notes the modernization of the railway infrastructure of Belarus.
The publication says that during the exercises, engineering and fortification works were carried out, including, for example, the organization of earthen trenches for infantry and equipment, the creation of obstacles to the advancement of enemy equipment, ensuring the smooth operation of the communication line and the preparation of sites for the deployment of helicopters.
In September, Defence24 wrote that Russia currently has about 3,500 tanks, 7,300 infantry fighting vehicles and 4,500 armored personnel carriers, as well as 4,800 artillery systems, mortars and multiple rocket launchers.
Ivan Potapov
