Russia and Belarus Launch “Zapad-2025” Drills Amid Rising NATO Tensions

Russia and Belarus have commenced the joint military exercise “Zapad-2025” on September 12, involving approximately 13,000 troops. Exercises span across Belarus and Russia, including within the Baltic and Barents seas. Officials from both countries stress that the drills are defensive in nature, aimed at enhancing coordination and readiness in the event of an attack.

The launch coincides with a surge in regional tensions following multiple Russian drone incursions into Polish airspace, prompting NATO countries to bolster their defences. Poland and its Baltic neighbours have expressed concern over the geographic proximity of the drills to NATO borders.

Western allies note that the highly visible drills feature deployments of tanks, supersonic bombers, and warships, and simulate the repelling of an attack on Belarus, reinforcement of territorial integrity, and joint command operations.

Nevertheless, defence officials insist the exercises were planned months ago and are routine. Invitations have been extended to observers under the OSCE Vienna Document, including NATO members, and U.S. military personnel have already initiated a surprise visit to Belarus to observe the exercises firsthand, marking an unusual gesture of openness amidst heightened geopolitical alarm.

Sources: Reuters, The Guardian, AP News, Al Jazeera