Russia-Belarus Military Drills Bring Renewed Tensions in Eastern Europe

Sat Oct 18 2025 16:08:05 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

As Russia and Belarus embark on major military exercises dubbed 'Zapad 2025', tensions rise amidst the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Neighboring nations express grave concerns over potential implications.

Russia and Belarus are conducting joint military drills named 'Zapad 2025', which is stirring fears in Ukraine and its neighbors. The exercises, simulating various military scenarios, come amid heightened tensions following recent drone incursions into Polish territory attributed to Belarus. The drills signal close military ties and showcase Russian capabilities just as Western nations remain on high alert for any further aggression.

TALLINN, Estonia (AP) — The last time Russia and Belarus held major joint military drills in 2022, Moscow sent its troops into Ukraine just days later. Now the two close allies are conducting war games again, raising tensions anew in the region.

The war games, dubbed 'Zapad 2025', or 'West 2025', take place in Belarus from Friday until September 16. Troops from both countries will simulate repelling an attack, involving airstrikes and sabotage, as per official reports.

The exercises have drawn concerns from Kyiv and its Western allies including Latvia, Lithuania, and Poland, which border Belarus. Notably, Russian President Vladimir Putin had previously sent troops into Ukraine on February 24, 2022, many of whom crossed from Belarus.

The Ukrainian Foreign Ministry stated that this year’s exercise 'hinders peaceful efforts' to end the war and presents an immediate threat not just to Ukraine, but to Poland, the Baltic states, and all of Europe.

On Wednesday, tensions escalated following Poland’s report of multiple Russian drones entering its territory, allegedly shot down with NATO's assistance, many believed to have originated from Belarus, according to Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk.

Although Russia claimed it was not targeting Poland and Belarus suggested the drones veered off course, European leaders expressed skepticism about the intentions.

Belarusian defense officials initially stated that around 13,000 troops would participate in the drills near its western border. This number was later cut nearly in half, with maneuvers primarily taking place deeper within the country. Defense Minister Viktor Khrenin noted that smaller units will carry out tasks near Poland and Lithuania's borders.

Despite Belarus's reassurances regarding the scale of the drills, NATO members remain wary. Poland is conducting its military exercises in response, as concerns mount over possible aggression. Leaders point to the Suwalki Gap, a strategic section of land between Poland and Lithuania, which has long been considered a flashpoint between Russia and NATO.

The unfolding military activities come amidst a backdrop of geopolitical tension and strained relationships, particularly as President Alexander Lukashenko considers efforts to mend ties with the West amidst increasing isolation.