Zapad-2021 commences on 14 ranges: Russian Defence Ministry

"The practical activities of the armed forces have simultaneously started on nine ranges in Russia – Kirillovsky, Strugi Krasnye, Mulino, Pogonovo, Khmelevka, Pravdinsk, Dobrovolsky, Dorogobuzh and Volsky – as well as five ranges in the Republic of Belarus – Obuz-Lesnovsky, Brestsky, Chepelevo, Domanovsky and Ruzhansky – and in the waters of the Baltic Sea," the ministry said in a statement.

Zapad 2021 began on Thursday and will run till September 16 involving 200,000 military personnel, over 80 planes, up to 760 military vehicles – including more than 290 tanks – and up to 15 ships.

The military exercise will take place in five training centres of the easter European nation-  Brest, Baranavichy, Damanauski, Abuz-Lyasnouski, Ruzhanski, and the region of Hrodna. Most of the sites are in close proximity to Lithuania and Poland's border.

Zapad Excercise takes place every two years between the Russian Federation and the Republic of Belarus.

The Zapad manoeuvres contain a Russian military buildup this year on Ukraine's border

Izvestia on August 11 reported that Zapad 2021 will contain expansive uses of electronic warfare, including EW units from Russia's First Tank Army and 20th Guards Combined Arms Army.

Armenia, India, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Mongolia's army will take part in the drill, while military from China, Vietnam, Burma, Pakistan and Uzbekistan are observing the manoeuvre.

India will participate in the exercise at Mulino training ground in the Nizhny Novgorod region on the military equipment of the troops of the Western Military District.

The goal of the drills is to check the readiness and capability of the military command bodies of Russia and Belarus to jointly react to ensure military security and territorial integrity of Russia and Belarus during the hostilities.