The Defense Ministry of Belarus announced that military exercises with Russian forces would be extended past their planned end date this Sunday, writes Deutsche Welle.

Belarusian officials said the drills would continue due to “an increase in military activity” near the borders of Russia and Belarus and the “escalating situation” in the rebel-controlled Donbas region in Ukraine.

“The presidents of Belarus and Russia decided to continue inspections of the readiness of Union State forces”, - Defense Minister Victor Khrenin said in a statement, referring to the union of Russia and Belarus.

Military exercises initially scheduled for 10 days

The joint maneuvers were originally planned for a 10-day period, taking place in five military training areas in western and southwestern Belarus, near the country’s borders with Poland and Ukraine. Earlier this week, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov confirmed the drills would end on Sunday “as previously announced”.

NATO believes the 30,000 Russian troops in Belarus, part of some 150,000 Russia has moved towards Ukraine, could be part of an incursion strategy.

Russia holds launch drills