On Sunday, September 14, Russia announced the successful testing of the hypersonic "Zircon" missile during the Zapad 2025 military exercise. According to the Russian Ministry of Defense, the missile was fired at a target in the Barents Sea, which was hit with a direct hit.
The Zapad 2025 military maneuvers began on September 12 and are taking place on the territory of Russia and Belarus, as well as in the waters of the Baltic and Barents Seas. Headquarters and troops from both sides are participating in them. Moscow claims that these maneuvers are aimed at improving the defense of the Allied state and – restoring territorial integrity–.
Poland and its NATO allies are on high alert after the Polish military reported on September 10 that Russian drones had violated the country's airspace. With the support of its allies, Poland shot down several of these flying objects. Moscow denies any involvement in the incident.
Poland's reaction
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk described the "West 2025" exercise as – – – as – very aggressive–. Belarus borders directly with Lithuania and Latvia - NATO countries that are also closely monitoring the maneuvers.
According to the Russian side, the maneuvers will end on September 16. The Kremlin claims that they are not directed against a specific country.
Military exercises "Zapad"
The joint Russian-Belarusian military maneuvers "Zapad" are held every four years and are traditionally viewed by NATO countries as a show of force. In 2017, maneuvers near the borders of Poland and Lithuania caused alarm in the alliance due to the large-scale transfer of troops. In 2021, more than 200,000 servicemen participated in the exercises.
Experts note that in the context of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, the maneuvers "Zapad 2025" are gaining particular relevance. According to analysts, they serve as a signal not only to NATO, but also to the domestic public in Russia and Belarus.