MINSK, September 18. /TASS/. The command and staff exercise of the Belarusian Western Operational Command, which began on September 15, has concluded, the Belarusian Defense Ministry reported.

"The troops, operating across a broad front, carried out tasks in accordance with the exercise scenario in a complex, rapidly evolving situation, and successfully accomplished their missions. The exercise results will be summarized by its commander, who will evaluate the actions of all the command’s units," the ministry’s press service quoted Vadim Surov, commander of the Western Operational Command, as saying.

The most distinguished service members were awarded watches from the defense minister and other valuable gifts based on the exercise results, the ministry reported.

On Tuesday, Pavel Muraveyko, Chief of the Belarusian General Staff and First Deputy Defense Minister, stated that the exercise is being held to assess the troops’ adaptability to modern conditions, and that Minsk has no plans for any offensive actions.