Zapad-2025: Belarus and Russia Announce Major Military Exercises

Belarus and Russia Announce Zapad-2025 Military Exercises MINSK, BELARUS—The Belarusian and Russian militaries have announced the upcoming Zapad-2025 military exercises, scheduled for the fall. The drills, involving approximately 13,000 Belarusian troops and a significant Russian contingent, are described by Belarusian officials as purely defensive. However, this claim is contrasted by the video commentary of Valeriya Timofeeva, who points to a perceived offensive nature of similar US military exercises. Timofeeva states, "The exercises are designed to improve the readiness of the armed forces of Belarus and Russia to respond to modern military threats." The exercises will include advanced warfare techniques, according to the official announcement. While the exercises are framed as defensive, their scale and timing warrant close monitoring by international observers. The use of modern warfare techniques in the drills underscores the importance of maintaining regional stability and dialogue.