A significant military presence is being dispatched to NATO’s eastern border as Russia and Belarus initiate a joint military operation. Following recent drone intrusions in Europe, the “Zapad” or “West” 2025 exercises are scheduled to occur in Russia and Belarus from Friday until Tuesday, September 16.
The drills will encompass Russian land territories along with parts of the Baltic and Barents seas, as stated by Moscow’s Defence Ministry. Elements of the exercises will involve troops strategizing the use of nuclear weapons and the deployment of the new nuclear-capable Oreshnik ballistic missiles that Russia intends to position in Belarus.
This development unfolds amid escalating tensions between Russia and the West, with Donald Trump expressing impatience towards Vladimir Putin and hinting at imposing stringent sanctions related to the Ukraine conflict.
Concerns have risen in Europe over the recent Russian drone violation of Polish airspace, potentially escalating tensions along the eastern border. While some leaders view this as a deliberate provocation, Russian military sources deny targeting Poland, suggesting the drones veered off course.
The incursion marked the first instance where NATO allies faced a potential airspace threat since the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Analysts speculate that this intrusion may have tested NATO’s preparedness for potential air violations ahead of the planned drills.
Security measures have been heightened in Poland, Lithuania, and Latvia, with Poland ordering a complete closure of its border with Belarus during the exercises. Some in Europe fear the military drills could serve as a prelude to a European invasion, reminiscent of the troop buildup in the 2021 exercises that preceded the Ukraine invasion.
Barriers and blockades have been erected along roads on the Polish border, with Prime Minister Donald Tusk deploying 40,000 troops to the region and cautioning of critical days ahead. Tusk warned that Poland is closer to open conflict than at any time since World War II following the drone incident.
The Zapad-2021 drills were exploited by the Russian government to mobilize 200,000 troops near the Ukrainian border before launching the invasion. This time, Russian units are believed to simulate an occupation of the Suwalki corridor, identified as a vulnerability for NATO, according to Tusk.
A Kremlin spokesman downplayed concerns this year, stating that the drills are planned exercises not directed against any specific entity. Despite this assertion, Polish President Tusk criticized the aggressive nature of the Zapad maneuvers and announced the closure of Poland’s border.
The decision to close the border was described as a response to the aggressive military exercises targeting Poland, emphasizing the safety of Polish citizens. The exercises, although expected to be smaller than the 2021 maneuvers, will involve Russia’s new experimental nuclear-capable missile and nuclear strike training, confirmed by Belarussian officials.
Poland and its allies intend to conduct counter-drills throughout September, reminiscent of Cold War strategies.
