Putin Extends Russia-Belarus War Drills as Macron Makes ‘Final Effort’ To Avert War in Ukraine

Russia and Belarus extended military drills amid warnings by Western powers that Moscow was poised to invade Ukraine. Belarus’ defence ministry said the decision had been taken due to increased military activity on Russia and Belarus’ shared borders. The ministry also cited "escalation" in east Ukraine for Putin and Alexander Lukashenko deciding to "continue inspections" beyond February 20.