The defense Ministry does not hide the bewilderment at the statement of the defense Minister of Germany Ursula von der Leyen about raising 100 thousand soldiers to the Russian-Belarusian exercises “West-2017”, reports TASS.
According to the official representative of the Russian defense Ministry Igor Konashenkov, these numbers “taken from the ceiling” and the exercises “are planned and not directed against third countries.” He noted that Belarus and Russia had informed the German side about these exercises. In particular, information was provided to the military attache at the German Embassy in Moscow during a special briefing on August 29 by Deputy Minister of defence of the Russian Federation Alexander Fomin in the presence of hundreds of foreign journalists. In addition, the chief of the General staff of the armed forces, army General Valery Gerasimov recently in Baku during the meeting with the head of the NATO Military Committee was further informed about it.
“The German side was timely and has all the detailed information about the plan, the defensive nature and the real numbers involved in the exercises “West-2017″ Russian forces,” Konashenkov said, adding that he does not understand why colleagues and subordinates Ursula von der Leyen NATO misguide.
Strategic exercises “West-2017” will be held September 14-20 at six firing ranges of Russia and Belarus. The exercise will involve about 12.7 thousand military personnel (including about 10.2 thousand on the territory of Belarus). Will involve about 680 pieces of equipment.