In a large field 45 miles (72km) from Belarus' capital Minsk, a battle is raging.
There are giant explosions as Sukhoi-34 bombers drop guided bombs. Huge plumes of smoke darken the sky.
The whole area echoes to the sound of exploding mortar and artillery shells. Helicopter gunships join the attack, while surveillance drones sweep overhead to view the damage.
It's only an exercise, though.
Together with other international media, we've been brought to the Borisovsky training ground where Belarusian and Russian forces are taking part in joint manoeuvres. This is part of the Zapad-2025 ('West 2025') military drills, which take place every four years.
In 2022, 200,000 troops participated; however, this year's exercises involve fewer soldiers. Officials from Moscow and Minsk maintain that the drills are defensive, aiming to bolster the security of both nations and counter any potential threat.
Despite assurances, skepticism lingers in the region. Observers recall previous military exercises that preceded aggressive actions, notably the Russian invasion of Ukraine after the 'Union Resolve' exercises in 2022.
In a bid for transparency, 23 nations, including the US, Turkey, and Hungary, were invited to witness the drills. However, neighboring countries, particularly Poland, remain unconvinced, labeling the exercises as aggressive.
The backdrop of heightened tension in Eastern Europe further clouds the situation, with incidents involving Russian drones breaching airspace in Poland and Romania. Analysts suggest these might be strategic moves by Russia to test European unity.
While Belarus claims transparency, the sheer scale of the exercises does signal a warning to the West, especially Europe, amidst an ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
