Russia has intensified its attacks on Ukraine, and the Russian combat drones that penetrated Polish airspace were a deliberate provocation by Moscow. Against the background of this heightened danger, Russia and Belarus are conducting joint military exercises, in which a large number of troops and military equipment have been mobilized - and the exercise is taking place in close proximity to NATO's eastern flank.
What is "Zapad 2025"?
The "Zapad" exercises are held every four years. Russia and its most important European partner Belarus exercise their military readiness on the territory of both countries. The maneuvers are considered the central military exercise of the armed forces of the "Allied Forces", as Russia and Belarus call their economic and defense partnership. The official goal of the exercise is to simulate possible conflicts and test the readiness of the armed forces to deal with them. The last such exercise was held in 2021 - just half a year before the start of the Russian invasion of Ukraine. This time the maneuvers are from September 12 to 16.
Where exactly is the exercise taking place?
"Zapad 2025" is taking place mainly on the territory of Belarus. The country borders three NATO countries to the north and west - Latvia, Lithuania and Poland, and to the south - Ukraine. Particularly critical is the fact that the exercise is also taking place in the Russian exclave of Kaliningrad, as well as in the Grodno region, which borders Poland and Lithuania. The exercise also involves Russian naval forces in the Baltic and Barents Seas.
How many troops are participating?
In 2021, according to official data, 200,000 soldiers from Russia and Belarus participated. According to the latest reports from both countries, this time the number is significantly smaller - about 13,000 people, but experts say it is possible that both participating countries are deliberately understating the number of participating military personnel.
What exactly is being practiced?
Russia and Belarus report that armored vehicles, helicopters and warships are participating in the exercise. Drones and electronic warfare technologies will also be tested, as well as the use of artificial intelligence (AI). To this end, military operations to defend against enemy attacks and missile attacks on land targets will be simulated. Belarus has confirmed that the Russian hypersonic missile "Oreshnik", which is capable of carrying nuclear warheads, will also be tested.
Why is the West so worried?
In 2021, Russia used the "Zapad" maneuvers to deploy large parts of its armed forces in Belarus and effectively prepare for its large-scale aggression against Ukraine in February 2022. Since the maneuvers are again taking place mainly in Belarus, neighboring NATO member states are on high alert. In response to the "Zapad" exercise, Poland closed its border with Belarus, and NATO announced that it would further strengthen the eastern flank of the Alliance. Lithuania also said that it was strengthening its armed forces along the border.
Author: Matthew Ward Ages