Putin Oversees Strategic Military Drills with Belarus

Russian President Vladimir Putin took to the skies on Tuesday, heading to the Nizhny Novgorod region. His mission: to observe joint military drills with Belarus, as reported by state television.

Clad in military gear, Putin was briefed by Defence Minister Andrei Belousov and his deputy. These strategic 'Zapad' exercises aim to bolster the defense capabilities of the 'union state' of Russia and Belarus, according to the president.

The drills underscore the close military ties between the two nations, highlighting their combined defense strategies.

(With inputs from agencies.)