Ukraine Joins Russia, Belarus in Military Exercises

Russia and Belarus are holding joint military exercises under the banner of the Russian-Belarusian Union State's military force. The exercises, called Union Shield 2011, will involve the latest Russian air defense hardware and other equipment. The exercises will also involve a new participant, Ukraine, which previously avoided participating in Union State military exercises because of their anti-Western nature. Ukraine is trying to maintain a balance between the West and Russia, but Moscow has increased its military leverage over Kiev.