TALLINN, Estonia (AP) — The last time Russia and Belarus held major joint military drills in 2022, Moscow sent troops into Ukraine shortly thereafter. The two allied nations are now conducting war games named Zapad 2025 in Belarus from September 15 to September 16, simulating an attack response, which has reignited tensions in the region.
These drills come at a precarious time, with the ongoing conflict in Ukraine lingering in the backdrop. Ukraine's Foreign Ministry has condemned the exercise, claiming it poses a direct threat to not just Ukraine but also to its neighbors Poland, the Baltic states, and the rest of Europe.
In the lead-up to the drills, incidents such as drone incursions over Poland further heightened concerns, with Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk indicating that some drones appeared to originate from Belarus. This has intensified the scrutiny and criticism leveled at the military exercises, with fears of potential aggression from the East.
Belarusian defense officials indicated an initial participation of about 13,000 troops, a number later revised down, stating that maneuvers will primarily take place deeper within the country, although some will occur near the borders with NATO countries.
Defense Minister Viktor Khrenin detailed that, during the military exercises, troops would rehearse plans involving the use of Russian nuclear weapons, as Belarus has entered agreements enhancing its military capabilities with Moscow.
The geopolitical implications of these maneuvers are significant, as they not only reflect Belarus’s continuing alignment with Russia but also prompt enhanced military readiness among NATO members, including Poland and Lithuania, who are conducting their own exercises in response.
Although Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko is attempting to convey a message of de-escalation and a willingness to mend relations with the West, the ongoing military preparations and regional military dynamics suggest a complex interplay where tensions remain high and skepticism prevails.
