Moscow outlines plans for joint force with key ally

The joint Russian-Belarusian military force performs a solely defensive role, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Galuzin said on Saturday. The diplomat also dismissed any speculation that it could be deployed in the Ukraine conflict.

Speaking to RIA Novosti, Galuzin noted that “the task of the joint Russian-Belarusian group of troops is, if necessary, to fight back against a would-be aggressor, should the territory of our ally Belarus be invaded."

At the same time, he added, “it is incorrect to present a question regarding the possibility of using this force in the special military operation in Ukraine.”