Russia is, officially at least, simply planning joint military drills with neighbouring Belarus, which they said is “purely defensive”.
However, Poland has warned there is a “risk” of an “aggressive scenario” during the week-long Zapad exercise, which begins on September 14.
According to Russian and Belarussian officials, under 13,000 soldiers will take place – a threshold which means international observers do not need to be present.
However, experts are concerned a far higher number which actually take part, with some warning as many as 100,000 soldiers could descend on the country.
The drills have sparked panic in Poland, Lithuania and Ukraine amid fears of a possible Russian invasion or violent land grab.
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Estonia said it expects a far bigger troop movement than was being officially declared, while Poland also warned the number was being deliberately under-reported.
Polish Deputy Defence Minister Michal Dworczyk said he was fearful of violent incidents, warning: “Operations on this scale always run this risk.”
He also said he was concerned Russia would attempt to station troops in Belarus after the drills, something he said would “negatively impact the region”.
Today Russia laughed off suggestions of an invasion, saying such claims were “ridiculous” and did not have “anything to do with reality”.
Deputy defense minister Alexander Fomin said: “None of these paradoxical versions has anything to do with reality, which has already been repeatedly confirmed by officials of both the Russian Federation and the Republic of Belarus.
“At least, such beliefs seem ridiculous. On these misconceptions of reality, we will react calmly.”
He said all troops would leave Belarus after the drills.
The US has sent 600 soldiers to Europe as a precaution.
Lt. Gen. Frederick B. Hodges said: “Look, we’ll be ready; we’ll be prepared.”
And he dismissed claims the drills were only defensive in nature, pointing to the military equipment and groups involved.
He said: “There is only one reason you would create a Guards Tank Army, and that is as an offensive striking force.
“This is not something for homeland security. That does not mean that they are automatically going to do it, but in terms of intimidation it is a means of putting pressure on allies.”