Russian paratroopers wait before boarding Ilyushin Il-76 transport planes as they take part in the military exercises "Zapad-2021" staged by the armed forces of Russia and Belarus at an aerodrome in Kaliningrad Region, Russia, September 13, 2021.
Russian President Vladimir Putin, Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu and Chief of the General Staff of Russian Armed Forces Valery Gerasimov observe the military exercises "Zapad-2021" staged by the armed forces of Russia and Belarus at the Mulino training ground in Nizhny Novgorod Region, Russia, September 13, 2021. Sputnik/Alexey Druzhinin/Kremlin via REUTERS
Russian President Vladimir Putin and Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu visit the Mulino training ground to observe the military exercises "Zapad-2021" staged by the armed forces of Russia and Belarus in Nizhny Novgorod Region, Russia, September 13, 2021. Sputnik/Sergei Savostyanov/Pool via REUTERS
A view from a transport military plane shows Russian airborne combat vehicles descending beneath parachutes during the exercises "Zapad-2021" staged by the armed forces of Russia and Belarus in Kaliningrad Region, Russia, September 13, 2021.
Russian paratroopers wait before boarding Ilyushin Il-76 transport planes as they take part in the military exercises "Zapad-2021" staged by the armed forces of Russia and Belarus at an aerodrome in Kaliningrad Region, Russia, September 13, 2021.
Russian paratroopers board an Ilyushin Il-76 transport plane as they take part in the military exercises "Zapad-2021" staged by the armed forces of Russia and Belarus at an aerodrome in Kaliningrad Region, Russia, September 13, 2021.
Russian paratroopers wait before boarding Ilyushin Il-76 transport planes as they take part in the military exercises "Zapad-2021" staged by the armed forces of Russia and Belarus at an aerodrome in Kaliningrad Region, Russia, September 13, 2021. REUTERS/Vitaly Nevar
Russian paratroopers sit inside an Ilyushin Il-76 transport plane before their departure during the military exercises "Zapad-2021" staged by the armed forces of Russia and Belarus at an aerodrome in Kaliningrad Region, Russia, September 13, 2021.
Russia and Belarus hold war games