Belarus has previously served as a launchpad for Russian President Vladimir Putin’s war plans in Ukraine in recent months, including Russia’s failed attempt to capture Kyiv in the early days of the war.While at times Belarusian leader Alexander Lukashenko has toed the line between claiming he wants peace and providing Putin with full-throttled support by allowing Russian soldiers and equipment into Belarus, these snap drills could be a signal that Putin has enveloped Belarus into its war plans more fully.It’s not the first time Belarusian military activities have raised suspicions that it might be stepping up to contribute to the fight with Ukraine.Just last month, Russia deployed thousands of troops and armored vehicles to Belarus, claiming they were working on readiness and defenses.The White House has since assessed that it may have been a move aimed at helping Russia distract Ukraine from its operations in the south and east of the country."