TALLINN, Estonia (AP) — As Belarus embarks on its military drills named 'Zapad 2025', regional tensions are on the rise reminiscent of the events leading to Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022. From September 8 to 16, the drills will simulate defensive actions against attacks, including airstrikes and sabotage, reinforcing the extent of military collaboration between Moscow and Minsk.
The geopolitical implications of this exercise are significant, provoking apprehensions in Kyiv and neighboring NATO allies Latvia, Lithuania, and Poland. The Ukrainian Foreign Ministry has voiced concerns that such military activities hinder diplomatic resolutions and pose threats not only to Ukraine but also to European nations.
The drills are reportedly scaled down from previous exercises, with participation estimates varying from 13,000 to as many as 150,000 troops. Belarusian defense officials, however, have downplayed these figures, stating that the main activities will occur deeper within the country.
Furthermore, these drills involve the preparation for the use of Russian nuclear weapons—an alarming aspect that has not gone unnoticed by NATO. Despite Belarusian declarations aimed at reducing escalation rhetoric, concerns linger regarding the military purpose behind these exercises.
Instability in the region was compounded recently when several Russian drones crossed into Polish territory, prompting NATO allies to react, which suggests the military environment remains fraught with potential conflicts.
President Alexander Lukashenko’s recent gestures towards the West have included the release of political prisoners, but the tension between ongoing military actions and diplomatic overtures raise questions about the future trajectory of Belarusian foreign relations.
