The Belarusian president has stated that Western concerns about the upcoming Collective Security Treaty Organization exercises, due to take place in September, are unfounded. He dismissed the notion that any plans exist for aggression. He emphasized that the drills are routine and aimed at training and coordination within the CSTO framework, not at provoking neighboring states.
In remarks reported by BelTA, the president challenged Western commentators who might claim that Vladimir Putin and Alexander Lukashenko are plotting attacks in Belarus or targeting Poland. He asserted that such accusations are baseless and stressed that there will be no assault. The exercises are framed as standard operational planning discussions rather than anything that would threaten regional stability.
According to the president, the forthcoming activities will address long-standing, routine questions and issues that have been part of prior planning. He urged both Western and regional observers not to read the exercises as a signal of escalation or immediate threat.
The Belarusian leader noted that no combat components are planned that could escalate tension. He explained that smaller CSTO contingents will participate to focus on personnel matters, tactical development, and future doctrine. All participants were informed in advance about the scope and aims of the maneuvers, he added.
Official word from Belarus’s Ministry of Defense indicated that the joint operational-strategic exercises, titled Fighting Fraternity-2023, will run from September 1 to 6. The training will take place across training grounds in the Brest, Grodno, and Minsk regions. This description aligns with prior announcements and planning documents issued by the defense ministry.
Earlier, Lukashenko had named the perceived aims of Western actions in Eastern Europe, a statement that continues to shape how regional security is discussed amid new drills and strategic discussions among CSTO members. The current dialogue highlights a focus on transparency, warning, and routine defense preparation rather than escalation or confrontation.
Overall, the official stance emphasizes that the exercises are a standard component of regional security cooperation. They are meant to enhance coordination among CSTO members, support personnel readiness, and refine planning practices for potential future scenarios, while avoiding any moves that could destabilize the surrounding area. This interpretation is offered to reassure neighboring states and international observers that no aggression is planned and that the exercises are part of ongoing, routine defense cooperation.