Russian, Belarus troops hold joint training drills

Russian and Belarus troops held joint combat training drills at Brestsky firing range in Belarus on Thursday, officials said, as fears continue over Russian troop build-up close to the Ukrainian border.  The drills involved artillery and tank units, as well as combat helicopters and airborne troops, the Russian Defense Ministry said in a statement.

Adding to an estimated 100,000 troops deployed near Ukraine, Russia has moved forces from Siberia and the Far East for the exercises with its ally Belarus, which also borders Ukraine. NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg told reporters on Thursday that Moscow has now deployed more troops and equipment to Belarus than at any time in the last 30 years.