Joint Military Maneuvers: Russia and Belarus Launch Zapad-2025 Amid Rising Tensions

Russia and Belarus commenced joint military exercises on Friday, marking the first Zapad drills since Moscow initiated its full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

The Zapad-2025 exercises, scheduled to continue until September 16, are designed to evaluate the capabilities of both nations in fending off enemy incursions, reclaiming lost territories, and securing the borders of what they refer to as their Union State, as stated by the respective Defense Ministries of Russia and Belarus.

According to officials, the drills will unfold in two stages: the first phase will concentrate on defense strategies and coordination, while the second phase will be aimed at regaining territory and neutralizing enemy forces. The exercises are taking place at military ranges in both Belarus and Russia, as well as in the Baltic and Barents Seas.

Belarus has characterized the maneuvers as defensive, with limitations to its eastern regions. Earlier in January, officials from Minsk announced that around 13,000 troops would participate, although this number was later revised down to approximately half, a significant reduction from the 200,000 troops involved in the Zapad-2021 drills.

Moscow has indicated that it extended invitations to observers from defense and economic alliances led by Russia and China.

These exercises come amid escalating tensions along NATO’s eastern border, particularly after Poland accused Russia of intentionally sending drones into its airspace earlier this week. In response to this airspace violation, Polish and NATO fighter jets were deployed to intercept and destroy the drones, marking the first instance where the Western military alliance has targeted Russian entities since the inception of the Ukraine invasion in 2022.

Kremlin spokesperson Dmitri Peskov informed the press on Thursday that the Zapad-2025 exercises had been pre-planned and were not aimed at «any third country.»

“This is focused on enhancing military collaboration and practicing coordination between two strategic allies. We will persist in this endeavor, which is no secret to anyone,” Peskov stated.

Furthermore, the exercises are taking place amidst Russia’s deployment of tactical nuclear weapons in Belarus. Minsk has announced that the drills will involve Russia’s new experimental nuclear-capable missile, named Oreshnik, and will include nuclear strike simulations.

A video released by the Russian Defense Ministry to mark the beginning of Zapad-2025 showcased military forces in action across various terrains, featuring armored vehicles maneuvering through forested paths, attack helicopters and bombers in flight, as well as naval vessels and submarines at sea.

In preparation for the exercises, Poland closed its border with Belarus on Thursday, with Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk labeling the drills as “very aggressive.” Poland, Latvia, and Lithuania have all imposed restrictions on their airspace near the borders with Russia and Belarus.

Poland, Latvia, and Lithuania conducted their own military drills in August and earlier this month, an overlap that analysts suggest was deliberate in relation to Zapad-2025. Approximately 30,000 troops from Poland and its allies participated in Poland’s exercises, named Iron Defender 2025.