Get ready: Russia and Belarus have kicked off Zapad-2025, a massive two-week joint military exercise right on NATO’s doorstep! 🔥🇷🇺🇧🇾
Set against the backdrop of a recent drone incursion over Poland, these drills will run in various regions—including the Baltic and Barents seas—aiming to boost commanders’ skills and regional cooperation.
Two stages, big goals:
- Defence Mode: Simulate repelling an attack against the Union State (Russia + Belarus).
- Offense Mode: Practice restoring the territorial integrity of the Union State and crushing the enemy, with allied forces joining.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov stresses that Zapad-2025 isn’t targeted at any country. But with tensions already high after Poland shot down suspected Russian drones—an incident Moscow denies—NATO allies are on alert. 🚨
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk labeled the maneuvers “very aggressive” and shut the border with Belarus. Lithuania has also beefed up border protection, while Latvia keeps a close watch.
Adding to the drama, Russia claims its drones were attacking in western Ukraine, not Poland, pointing fingers at Ukraine as the source. Meanwhile, U.S. President Donald Trump called the drone incursion “a mistake” and hopes the situation calms down soon.
As Zapad-2025 unfolds, all eyes are on Eastern Europe. Will these drills reshape regional dynamics? Stay tuned! 👀
Reference(s):
Russia and Belarus start drills near NATO border after drone incursion
cgtn.com
