TALLINN, Estonia (AP) — The last time Russia and Belarus held significant military drills in 2022, Russian troops invaded Ukraine shortly after. Now, the two allies are set for another round of military exercises, heightening tensions in the region.
The upcoming drills, named 'Zapad 2025' or 'West 2025', will be held in Belarus from September 15 to September 16. Troops from both nations will conduct simulations aimed at repelling imaginary attacks through airstrikes and sabotage, according to official sources.
This exercise comes as Ukraine and its Western allies express increasing concern over the military collaboration between Moscow and Minsk, especially since many of the troops that invaded Ukraine in February 2022 came from Belarus.
The apprehension is echoed by the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry, which states that these exercises undermine efforts to foster peace in the region and present direct threats not only to Ukraine but also to Poland, the Baltic states, and indeed all of Europe.
Adding to the tension, Poland reported that several Russian drones recently entered its airspace, prompting defensive actions aided by NATO allies. Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk indicated that numerous drones originated from Belarus, intensifying fears of a potential escalation.
The Belarusian Defense Ministry initially indicated the exercises would see about 13,000 troops, but later revised this figure down to around 6,500, primarily focusing maneuvers away from the border areas. Certain portions of the operation will also extend into Russian territory.
Belarus has invited all member states of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe, and NATO countries with military attaches, to observe the drills, highlighting an intention to maintain transparency.
Despite ongoing criticisms and a historic crackdown on dissent, Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko has reportedly shown willingness to mend ties with the West, while simultaneously navigating pressures from both Moscow and internal political dynamics.
Moreover, significant emphasis will be placed on practicing scenarios involving the potential use of nuclear weapons, indicative of Belarus's role within Russia's nuclear strategy. Russian military deployments to Belarus include tactical nuclear weapons, raising the stakes for NATO member states.
NATO leaders remain on alert as they characterize the drills as aggressive maneuvers close to their borders. In response, both Poland and Lithuania are initiating their own military exercises.
With uncertain troop capacities and clear geopolitical implications, the backdrop of 'Zapad 2025' unfolds, elevating vigilance among Western allies.
