Russia and Belarus have kicked off a huge set of joint military exercises that has the West watching nervously. The drills, codenamed Zapad 2025, began on Friday and ran until Tuesday, involving thousands of troops across both nations and stretching into the Baltic and Barents Seas.
On paper, the exercises are about reinforcing defence ties between Moscow and Minsk. But what’s really set alarm bells ringing is the scope of the training: rehearsals for the use of Russian nuclear weapons and demonstrations of Oreshnik intermediate-range missiles, a stark reminder of the firepower they command.
Growing unease in Europe
NATO members and Kyiv have voiced concern, particularly after a Russian drone recently crossed into Polish airspace. The tension is compounded by history, in the past, Russian troops used similar drills as cover before advancing into Ukraine from Belarus.
Initially, Belarus announced 13,000 troops would take part. That figure has since been halved, with most manoeuvres staged deeper inside the country. Still, some units are operating close to the borders of Poland and Lithuania, placing NATO territory uncomfortably close to the action.
Lukashenko’s delicate balancing act
Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko appears keen to soften the optics. He invited international observers to monitor the drills and, in a clear overture to the West, recently authorised the release of 52 political prisoners, a move that led to some US sanctions being lifted.
Despite this, the message of Zapad 2025 is clear: Russia and Belarus are showcasing their military strength. For Moscow, it’s a signal of power projection. For Minsk, it’s an attempt to straddle two worlds, bound to Russia, but wary of closing off dialogue with the West altogether.
As the exercises continue, European leaders remain on edge.
