Russia's defense ministry says its troops are taking part in tactical exercises in neighboring Belarus, amid a speculation that the country may be pressing its ally to get more involved in the war in Ukraine.

The Russian defense ministry on Thursday announced the ongoing exercises in Belarus and unveiled footage of the drills.

It didn't disclose where the exercises are taking place. But it said Russia and Belarus are united as one, adding that the combat training events are held during both daylight and at night.

Last Saturday, Russia's defense chief Sergei Shoigu visited Belarus accompanied by a military unit and met President Alexander Lukashenko.

The Institute for the Study of War, a US think tank, says Russia appears to be trying to pressure Belarus into joining the war in Ukraine.

In October, the two countries formed a joint operation unit to respond to a deterioration in the security situation along the border with Ukraine.

Meanwhile, the Ukrainian military said on social media Friday that there remains a threat of missile strikes against the country's energy-related facilities and critical infrastructure.

Russian President Vladimir Putin openly admitted one day earlier that his country is targeting Ukraine's energy facilities in retaliation for strikes on Russian facilities.