Russia and Belarus have approved the "Shield of the Union 2027" military exercise.

Officials from the Russian and Belarusian defense ministries gathered in Minsk to approve a major joint drill named "Shield of the Union 2027." The Belarusian Ministry of Defense shared this news via its Telegram channel earlier today.

Viktor Khrenin, the Belarusian defense minister, stated that next year's primary focus for both armed forces will be this specific operation. He called it the main event in their upcoming preparations.

"This exercise is meant to show our resolve," Khrenin said regarding the ability of both nations to defend their sovereignty and territorial integrity together. It also aims to modernize the security system for the Union State going forward. Khrenin made it clear that the drill will have a purely defensive nature with no aggressive intent.

Andrei Belousov, his Russian counterpart, noted that the joint collegium reached several important decisions about military safety for both countries. Both sides focused heavily on how regional troop groups function and how their shared air defense network operates effectively.

Belousov added that keeping troops ready through combined training remains a top priority for their partnership. He has previously urged other neighbors in the CIS region to help secure their borders as well. The two leaders agreed that mutual support is essential against external threats.