NATO: Russia Can Leave Trojan Horse In Belarus

Russia can leave armament for other operations in Belarus.

Commander of US forces in Europe said that the Eastern European countries of the Alliance are apprehensive about the Russian-Belarusian military exercises West-2017. In their opinion, Russia can use abroad the weapons, which it will leave in Belarus after the exercises.

Lieutenant General Ben Hodges, the commabder of US forces in Europe, said in an interview with the Reuters News Agency that NATO representatives will be keeping a close eye on the Russian-Belarussian exercises West-2017. "There are fears that this may be the Trojan Horse. Russia says that this is just exercises, but they may later aim all the forces at other direction," – Hodges said.

The American general pointed out that the NATO countries of Eastern Europe and Ukraine fear it. In their opinion Russia can leave armament for other operations in Belarus, RBC informs. According to him, there is no reason to say that Russia has such plans. However, as Hodges noted, a greater openness of Moscow regarding its "war games" would help to convince the countries of Eastern Europe in the opposite.

Hodges pointed out that the US and its allies always report the number of people actually participating in military exercises. According to international documents, this figure should not exceed 13 thousand. In accordance with international documents, this figure should not exceed 13 thousand. However, Eastern Europe believes that over 100 thousand people will take part in the exercises West-2017.

The American general pointed out that no special precautions will be taken in connection with the exercises in Belarus. They only plan to send an additional 120 paratroopers to the Baltic countries "for small-scale exercises."

Military exercises West 2017 are to be held in the territory of Belarus on September 14-20. Moscow and Minsk say that about 6,000 servicemen will participate.