Russia and Belarus commenced joint military exercises on Friday, marking the first Zapad drills since Moscow initiated its extensive invasion of Ukraine.
The Zapad-2025 exercises, scheduled to conclude on September 16, aim to assess the two nations’ capabilities to counter an enemy assault, reclaim lost territories, and safeguard the borders of their so-called Union State, as stated by the defense ministries of both countries.
These drills will unfold in two stages: the initial phase will concentrate on defense and coordination, while the second phase will focus on regaining territory and defeating opposing forces. The exercises are taking place at various ranges in both Belarus and Russia, as well as in the Baltic and Barents Seas.
Belarus has characterized the drills as defensive and limited to its eastern regions. Initially, officials in Minsk announced that 13,000 troops would participate but later reduced this number to approximately half, a significant decrease from the 200,000 troops involved in the previous Zapad-2021 exercises.
Moscow has extended invitations to observers from defense and economic groups spearheaded by Russia and China.
These exercises arise amidst escalating tensions along NATO’s eastern border, as Poland accused Russia this week of intentionally deploying drones into its airspace. In reaction to this aerial violation, Poland and NATO scrambled fighter jets to intercept the drones, marking the first time the Western military alliance has targeted Russian assets since the onset of the Ukraine invasion in 2022.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitri Peskov informed reporters on Thursday that the Zapad-2025 exercises were pre-planned and aimed at no specific nation. He stated, “This effort pertains to enhancing military cooperation and refining coordination between two strategic allies. We will persist in this direction, which is certainly no secret.”
Additionally, the exercises coincide with the deployment of tactical nuclear weapons in Belarus by Russia. Minsk has indicated that the drills will include the use of Russia’s new experimental nuclear-capable missile, named Oreshnik, alongside training for nuclear strikes.
A video released by the Russian Defense Ministry to mark the commencement of Zapad-2025 showcased military operations across various environments, featuring armored vehicles navigating forest paths, attack helicopters, bombers in flight, as well as naval forces and submarines operating at sea.
In anticipation of the exercises, Poland closed its border with Belarus on Thursday, with Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk labeling the drills as “highly aggressive.” Poland, Latvia, and Lithuania have all enforced airspace restrictions near the borders with Russia and Belarus.
In a show of force, Poland, Latvia, and Lithuania conducted their own military exercises in August and earlier this month, which analysts believe were strategically timed to coincide with Zapad-2025. Approximately 30,000 Polish and allied troops participated in Poland’s maneuvers, dubbed Iron Defender 2025.
