Russia and Belarus have launched a large-scale joint military exercise, Zapad-2025, along NATO’s borders, raising concerns in the West at a time of heightened tensions in the Russia-Ukraine war. According to Russia’s defence ministry, the drills will take place across both countries as well as in the Baltic and Barents seas. The exercise, planned long before this week’s drone incident in Poland, is designed to enhance coordination, command skills, and field training among regional and coalition forces.

In its first phase, the drills will simulate the defence of Russia and Belarus, which together form the Union State. The second stage will focus on restoring territorial integrity and defeating the enemy, with the support of allied forces from partner nations. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov stressed that the exercises, including those held near Poland, are “not aimed against any other country.” However, NATO members remain on alert after Poland, with allied backing, shot down suspected Russian drones that entered its airspace just two days earlier — an incident Moscow denies. Russia’s Defence Ministry acknowledged drone strikes in western Ukraine but insisted no Polish targets were intended.

The incident has been viewed in the West as a deliberate provocation and a test of NATO’s readiness. U.S. President Donald Trump suggested the drones’ entry into Poland may have been a mistake, while Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk condemned the drills as “very aggressive,” announcing the closure of Poland’s border with Belarus. Belarus also borders NATO members Lithuania and Latvia, both of which have reinforced border security in response to the exercise. With Zapad-2025 underway, the region faces a new flashpoint that underscores the fragile balance between military preparedness and the risk of escalation.