In a large field 45 miles (72km) from Belarus' capital Minsk, a battle is raging. There are giant explosions as Sukhoi-34 bombers drop guided bombs, and helicopter gunships join the attack amid sounds of artillery fire.
Although these scenes may seem alarming, they are part of an exercise—specifically, the Zapad-2025 military drills, where Belarusian and Russian forces demonstrate their capabilities. Observers from various international embassies were present, underscoring the exercise's significance.
The Zapad-2025 maneuvers occur at a time marked by increasing regional tensions, especially given the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Belarus and Russia assert that these exercises are purely defensive in nature, designed to bolster their security against potential external threats. However, skepticism persists, particularly from observers in Poland, who criticize the drills as offensive.
Previously, under similar circumstances in 2022, Russian troops used Belarusian territory as a launch point for their invasion of Ukraine. Currently, the presence of international media at these drills is being portrayed by Belarus as a move toward transparency. Yet, the drills serve as a clear signal to Europe regarding the potential risks of confrontation with Moscow.
In essence, the message from Minsk and Moscow could be interpreted as: 'Recognize the military capabilities at your doorstep—engaging with us may not be in your best interest.'
