Post by : Raman

Russia and Belarus have started a major joint military exercise called Zapad-2025, which is taking place across both countries and in nearby seas, including the Baltic Sea and the Barents Sea. The Russian Defence Ministry announced the start of these exercises on Friday, September 12, 2025. The drills involve thousands of troops, armored vehicles, aircraft, and naval forces, making it one of the largest demonstrations of military power by these countries in recent years.

Timing and Background

The timing of Zapad-2025 is especially sensitive. Just two days before the exercises began, Poland, with the support of NATO allies, shot down suspected Russian drones flying over its territory. Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk called the drone flights a “provocation on a large scale,” though Russia denied any involvement. Kremlin officials have stated that the military exercises were planned long before the drone incident occurred.

The Zapad exercises, which means “West” in Russian, have a long history. They are usually held every four years and focus on testing Russia and Belarus’ military readiness, especially in response to threats from Western countries. Past exercises, like Zapad-2017, drew attention from NATO due to the involvement of tens of thousands of troops. Analysts believe that Zapad-2025 could be larger and more complex, given the ongoing tensions around Ukraine and NATO borders.

Objectives of Zapad-2025

The Russian Defence Ministry outlined the main goals of Zapad-2025 on its official Telegram account. The exercises are designed to strengthen the Union State of Russia and Belarus and improve military coordination.

• Stage One: Defensive Operations
  In this stage, troops simulate defending against an attack on Russian and Belarusian territory. This includes testing strategies and preparing troops for real-time threats, showing the readiness of the Union State to protect itself.

• Stage Two: Offensive Operations
  The second stage focuses on regaining control of territories and defeating potential enemies. The drills also involve coalition forces from allied countries, highlighting joint military operations and strategic depth.

Statements from Russia and Belarus

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov emphasized that the exercises are not directed at any specific country. Russia has described Zapad-2025 as a routine and defensive operation. Belarusian officials echoed this, claiming the exercises are necessary to ensure regional security.

Poland and NATO’s Response

The recent drone incursion over Poland has heightened concern in Europe. Poland’s Prime Minister Donald Tusk called Zapad-2025 “very aggressive” even before the exercises began. Poland closed its border with Belarus as a precautionary measure. Neighboring countries like Lithuania and Latvia, both NATO members, also increased border security.

NATO has been closely monitoring the situation, as Zapad-2025 occurs near its eastern borders. While Russia insists the drills are defensive, NATO officials warn that such exercises could increase the risk of miscalculations or accidental clashes.

International Reactions

The situation has attracted attention from world leaders. U.S. President Donald Trump described the drone incursion over Poland as potentially accidental but expressed concern over rising tensions. Western nations have urged calm, while emphasizing the importance of defending NATO territories.

Why Zapad-2025 Matters

Zapad-2025 serves several purposes:

1. Testing Military Readiness – The exercises allow Russia and Belarus to evaluate how well their armed forces can respond to threats.

2. Strengthening Alliances – Belarus relies on Russia for military support, and the drills reinforce the Union State’s partnership.

3. Sending a Political Message – Conducting exercises near NATO borders demonstrates Russia’s military strength and regional influence.

4. Alerting NATO – The exercises remind NATO to maintain high readiness and coordinate responses to potential threats.

Potential Risks

Even though Russia claims Zapad-2025 is defensive, conducting such large-scale drills near NATO borders increases the risk of accidental incidents. The drone incursion over Poland highlights how quickly small events can escalate into bigger diplomatic or military conflicts.

Zapad-2025 is not just a military exercise; it is a strategic display of strength by Russia and Belarus. It tests their military capabilities, strengthens their alliance, and sends a clear signal to the world, especially to NATO countries. For Poland, Lithuania, Latvia, and other European nations, the drills underscore the need for vigilance and preparedness in a region facing rising tensions and geopolitical uncertainty.

As the exercises unfold, Zapad-2025 will continue to attract international attention and serve as both a military and political statement. While Russia and Belarus emphasize defense, NATO and neighboring countries remain alert to any developments that could impact regional stability.

Russia, Belarus, Zapad-2025, Military Exercises, NATO, European Security, Drone Incident