Moscow: Russian President Vladimir Putin has backed the establishment of an airbase in neighbouring Belarus, the latest move by Moscow to project its military power abroad.

The announcement, which comes at a time of tension with the West over Russian involvement in Ukraine and Syria, may also signal the Kremlin's interest in keeping unpredictable Belarus within its geopolitical orbit.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has ordered officials to start talks with Belarus on a military airbase.

Mr Putin said on Saturday that he had agreed on a government proposal to sign a deal for the military airbase and ordered Defence and Foreign Ministry officials to start talks with Belarus.

The plan is not expected to face major obstacles.