In this photo released by Belarus' Defense Ministry on July 20, 2023, a Belarusian soldier of the Special Operations Forces attends the maneuvers near the border city of Brest, Belarus. Mercenaries from Russia's military company Wagner have launched joint drills with the Belarusian military near the border with Poland. (PHOTO / BELARUS' DEFENSE MINISTRY VIA AP)

MINSK - The regional grouping of Belarusian and Russian troops will hold military exercises on Belarusian territory in 2025, Belarusian Defense Minister Viktor Khrenin said here on Thursday.

Khrenin said in an interview that the Russian and Belarusian presidents initially proposed to hold joint strategic military exercises once every two years back in 2009.

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"The next exercise will take place in 2025 on the territory of the Republic of Belarus," he said, adding that the maneuvers will focus on ensuring the military security of the Union State.

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Khrenin further warned that Minsk would respond to any airspace violations, adding that there have already been six violations of the country's airspace since August last year.

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"We respond to all violations. When necessary, our combat aircraft are scrambled, and anti-aircraft missile forces are brought to the appropriate level of combat readiness," he said, adding that in case of serious violations, Minsk will not hesitate to shoot down foreign aircraft that violate the country's airspace.