Belarus says its joint troop deployment with Russia is defensive measure

The Belarusian Ministry of Defense says the joint deployment of forces with Russia is a defensive measure, ensuring security along the border with Ukraine. In a statement on Tuesday, the Minister of Defense, Lieutenant-General, Viktor Khrenin, said, that the joint deployment was merely a response to the fighting in Ukraine. Russia, meanwhile, downplayed the need for Belarusian troops, with the head of Russia's Duma defense committee telling Russian state media on Monday that the participation of the joint forces is not needed.