With Russia ties under strain, Belarus holds drills with British Marines

FILE PHOTO: Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko listens to Russian President Vladimir Putin during their meeting in the Black sea resort of Sochi, Russia, February 7, 2020. Alexander Zemlianichenko/Pool via REUTERS/File Photo

MINSK (Reuters) - Belarus began holding joint military drills with 28 British Marines at a training ground in the north of the country this week at a time when relations with its traditional ally Russia are under strain.

The Belarus defence ministry has stated that the drills, which will run from March 2-14, are similar to events that have been held regularly with Britain for the past two years.