First Russian Military and Equipment Arrived in Belarus to Participate in Zapad-2025

The first echelon of the Russian military and equipment has arrived in Belarus to participate in the Zapad 2025 joint strategic military exercises.

The Belarusian Ministry of Defense reported on this.

These maneuvers are the main stage of joint training of the militaries of the two countries this year. The training will take place in September.

Currently, Belarusian and Russian military personnel are in the final stages of preparation.

The Belarusian side has stated that during the Zapad 2025 exercise, they plan to practice new forms and means of using ground forces based on an analysis of recent modern military conflicts.

Such strategic military maneuvers are held regularly, with a frequency of two years, alternately on the territory of the Republic of Belarus and Russia.

Their official goals are usually to practice joint defensive and offensive actions, improve the interaction of the armed forces, and test the military’s readiness for various scenarios.

However, these exercises always raise concerns among neighboring countries because of possible unexpected actions or incidents.

Such fears are not accidental, as Belarus has become a springboard for the Russian invasion forces’ offensive against northern Ukraine, including Kyiv.

At the end of May, Belarusian Defense Minister Viktor Khrenin said that the main training of this year’s exercises would be moved deeper into Belarus to “reduce tensions.”

He added that the move also “shows readiness for dialogue” with neighboring countries. The Minister also stated that these Russian-Belarusian military exercises “are not directed against anyone.”

In response to Zapad 2025, Poland will conduct its strategic exercises Żelazny Obrońca in September, which will be attended by some NATO countries.