Europe's fears concerning Zapad 2017 exercise baseless, far-fetched - senator Klintsevich
MOSCOW. Aug 31 (Interfax) - The Zapad (West) 2017 Russia-Belarus strategic exercise aims to train interaction between Union State servicemen in the deterrence of possible terror attacks, and it does not constitute a threat to European countries, First Deputy Chairman of the Federation Council's Defense and Security Committee Franz Klintsevich said.
"The exercise does not pose a threat to other counties. This is a traditional drill held once every four years. Zapad 2017 is an exercise held by the Union State of Russia and Belarus to practice deterrence of possible terror attacks the Union State may experience from the sea, air and land," Klintsevich told Interfax on Thursday, speaking of fears some European countries had about the pending drill.
Zapad 2017 is a strategic exercise, whose primary objective is to prepare top military commanders of in particular districts, armies, divisions and brigades "for the joint provision of security and combat against terrorist threats fought together with other law enforcement agencies and armies, in this case, those of Belarus," Klintsevich said.
The Emergency Situations Ministry, the Russian National Guard, and the Federal Security Service's Border Service will be participating in the drill, he said.
"Foreign ministers and specialists from NATO and other countries have been notified and invited to observe the drill," Klintsevich said.
Russian military doctrine and the Zapad 2017 exercise are defensive rather than offensive, he said.
"Taking into account defensive doctrine, the Russian Armed Forces, at their current level and condition, are not meant for invasion or mounting offensive operations; their sole purpose is defense and security. Of course, we will ensure mobilization preparedness and reserves in case of a major military campaign, but no such thing will be done during this strategic exercise in order to not disturb our partners," Klintsevich said.
He dismissed Europe's fears as unfounded.
"This euphoria is being intentionally incited to demonize Russia. Their fears are far-fetched and provocative; they, especially the Baltic republics, are behaving like provocateurs," Klintsevich said.
According to the Defense Ministry, the Zapad 2017 scheduled Russia-Belarus strategic exercise will take place on September 14-20.
About 12,700 servicemen will be participating in the drill, including about 10,200 troops to operate in Belarusian territory (slightly more than 7,000 Belarusian troops and about 3,000 Russian troops), in addition to 370 armored vehicles, including 140 tanks, up to 150 artillery weapons and rocket launchers, and more than 40 aircraft.