Belarus and Russia Announce Joint Military Exercises "Zapad-2025"

MINSK, BELARUS – May 16, 2025 – Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko recently addressed the upcoming joint Belarusian-Russian military exercises, "Zapad-2025." The exercises, he stated, are purely defensive in nature and aim to enhance military cooperation between the two countries. Three key areas of focus were outlined: improving the coordination of troops and staff work; training Belarusian servicemen in Russian military academies (currently over 300 personnel); and strengthening military-technical collaboration. "We are not just allies; we have a common defense space," Lukashenko stated, highlighting the exercises' importance in the current international climate. The president also confirmed that the exercises will take place simultaneously on training grounds in both Russia and Belarus. This announcement follows previous statements emphasizing the defensive posture of the joint military activities.