Russia has today armed its neighbour Belarus with a battery of new TOR-M2 surface-to-air missiles systems amid fears of new land grab in Ukraine.
The arrival of the firepower comes as Vladimir Putin is swelling his troop numbers plus tanks and artillery on the territory of his neighbouring authoritarian ally.
The Kremlin is also seen as seeking to force Minsk dictator Alexander Lukashenko to enter the war amid fears of a fresh invasion towards Kyiv from the north early next year.
Recent days have seen a surge of Russian military movement into - and across - Belarus.
Russia's most advanced military vehicles and battle tanks, including the T-90M Proryv, and T-72B3, have been spotted moving around Belarus, nearing Ukraine's border.
The Tor-M2 air defence systems are designed to destroy planes, helicopters, missiles and drones.
The new equipment sent by Russia - with a NATO reporting name SA-15 Gauntlet - is seen in a video released in Minsk.
“This will allow us to introduce this complex into the combat units of our armed forces in the near future,” said Colonel Andrei Lukyanovich, commander of the Belarus Air Force and Air Defence Forces.
Telegram channel Belarusian Hajun identified the new arrivals as the Tor-M2K but Belarus also uses earlier versions.
In one of the most hectic weeks of his year, Putin visited Minsk on Monday since when videos have emerged of Russian firepower arriving in Belarus .
It is unclear if any agreements were sealed with Belarus dictator Alexander Lukashenko about Minsk forces being used in the war, or Putin launching a new offensive from Belarus.
In spring when he failed to seize Kyiv, he launched a land attack from Belarus, and reports say he is looking to repeat the tactic.
Lukashenko’s government has imposed curbs on access to Loevsky, Braginsky and Khoiniki districts of Gomel region, which borders Ukraine.
The curbs do not apply to officials, and workers and residents of these districts.
Drills have been ongoing in Belarus, and Putin has previously used such exercises as a prelude to invasion.
Speaking at a joint press conference in Minsk late Monday, Putin and President Alexander Lukashenko said that they agreed to continue a series of joint military drills that have caused alarm in Ukraine.
Putin said: “We agreed to continue to take all necessary measures together to ensure the security of our two countries.
"To give priority to the training of troops, increase their combat readiness and continue the practice of regular joint exercises and other operational and combat training activities."
