Russia has practised launching cruise missiles over the Barents Sea during joint military exercises with Belarus codenamed Zapad (West), according to Russia’s Ministry of Defence.

The neighbouring allies were wrapping up five days of war games on Tuesday in a show of force they said is designed to test their combat readiness. Russian Tu-160 strategic bombers also performed combat training missions amid heightened tensions with NATO countries after Moscow’s alleged violations of Polish and Romanian airspace.

About 7,000 soldiers, including 6,000 Belarusians, participated in the exercises held in Belarus and Russia.

The drills took place just days after Polish and NATO forces shot down drones violating Polish airspace during Russia’s biggest-ever aerial barrage against neighbouring

See Full Page