Russia cancels plan to withdraw troops from Belarus, preserving its easiest route to strike Ukraine's capital Kyi

Russia scrapped a plan to brings its troops home from Belarus on Sunday, citing increased tensions in the region.

Belarus, a firm Russian ally, shares a long border with Ukraine, and is the foreign state closest to the Ukrainian capital of Kyiv.

Russia stationed troops in Belarus as part of the huge military buildup that the West widely interpreted as preparation for an invasion.

Its stated aim was to carry out joint exercises with Belarusian forces, and to withdraw after their end on Sunday, However, when Sunday came that plan was revised.

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