The joint strategic exercise Zapad 2025 between the Russian and Belarusian armed forces has commenced. The Russian Ministry of Defense announced today that the exercise aims to enhance command and staff capabilities, the level of interaction, and field training between forces in addressing joint tasks.

Zapad 2025 will take place from 12/9 to 16/9 at training grounds in Russia and Belarus, as well as in the Baltic and Barents Seas. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov stated some training activities within the exercise will occur near the Polish border.

The exercise is divided into two main phases, focusing on maneuvering task forces to ensure the security of the Union State of Russia and Belarus. Military personnel from both countries are expected to practice intercepting air strikes and countering enemy reconnaissance and sabotage forces.

Russia and Belarus have invited task forces from member states of the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO), the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO), and partner countries to participate in Zapad 2025. Moscow affirmed the event is not directed against any particular nation.

Russian officials have not disclosed the number of personnel and equipment involved in Zapad 2025, while Belarus announced it has deployed approximately 13,000 troops.

Location of Russia, Belarus, and neighboring countries. Graphic: Britannica

Lithuania, a NATO member bordering Belarus and Russia's Kaliningrad region, announced it is deploying troops to secure its border due to Zapad 2025. Poland also declared on 11/9 the deployment of 40,000 soldiers to the border "after months of preparation in response to Zapad 2025".

Nguyen Tien (According to RIA Novosti, TASS, AFP, Reuters)