TALLINN, Estonia (AP) — The latest joint military drills conducted by Russia and Belarus, named Zapad 2025, have commenced amid escalating concerns from neighboring countries. Just days after their last significant exercises in 2022, Russia invaded Ukraine, and now, many fear a repeat of history could unfold.
The drills, set to take place in Belarus starting Friday and running until September 16th, will simulate various military scenarios, including defense against an attack featuring airstrikes and sabotage. This military collaboration not only displays the close ties between Moscow and Minsk but also highlights Russia's military capabilities amid its prolonged conflict in Ukraine.
Countries such as Ukraine, as well as its Western allies, are watching closely, fearing that these maneuvers might heighten existing tensions in the region. Following reports of Russian drones entering Polish airspace, the situation has reached a boiling point, with Polish leaders warning of deliberate provocations.
Officials from the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry remarked that these drills could undermine peace efforts, emphasizing that they pose an immediate threat to Ukraine and its neighboring countries, including Poland and the Baltic states.
Belarusian defense authorities initially projected around 13,000 troops would participate, but have since amended this number, suggesting the main activities will occur further inland. The drills will also involve nuclear preparation training, a particularly contentious point given the geopolitical climate.
Despite the Belarusian authorities downplaying the scale of the exercises, NATO nations remain on high alert. Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk has characterized the drills as provocative, leading Poland to engage in its own military exercises in response. The potential flashpoint remains the strategically crucial Suwalki Gap, a narrow land corridor vital for NATO's positioning in Eastern Europe.
Recent communications from Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko indicate a desire for improved relations with the West, following years of repressive governance that has strained diplomatic ties. An invitation was extended to various OSCE member states to observe the drills, further indicating a move to present transparency.
Simultaneously, potential logistical concerns are surfacing regarding Russia's ability to allocate adequate military resources to the drills without compromising its ongoing commitments in Ukraine.
Thus, with a combination of provocative military maneuvers and diplomatic overtures, the unfolding scenario in Eastern Europe remains fraught with uncertainty. The actions taken by Belarus and Russia in the coming days will likely shape the region's geopolitical landscape and its response from NATO allies.
