By Leon Aris in Berlin As the talk turns to a possible “direct clash” between Russia and Nato in the escalating Ukraine war, Belarus and Russia are tightening their mutual security agreements, with negotiations expected to conclude ahead of the annual joint military exercises Zapod 2025 (West 2025) later this year. These manoeuvres could serve as cover for the formation of a Russian-Belarusian strike group, reports Belarus in Focus September 15. Belarusian Security Council Secretary Aliaksandr Valfovich said both nations are deepening military and political integration in a recent interview. T…