Moscow (TDI): Russian President Vladimir Putin has personally overseen the final phase of the joint Russian‑Belarusian military drills Zapad‑2025, held chiefly at the Mulino training ground in Nizhny Novgorod and other sites in Russia and Belarus.
According to the Kremlin, some 100,000 servicemen have taken part in the exercises, along with about 10,000 units of weaponry and equipment.
Putin said the maneuvers are designed to practice the “unconditional protection” of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Russia and Belarus, training to repel aggression.
He wore military uniform during his visit and inspected an array of hardware including advanced arms, aircraft, ship units, submarines, and specialized radar and anti‑drone systems.
A display of more than 400 different arms and technology samples was part of the exhibition he observed. 25 foreign delegations took part in exercises, 16 sent representatives to observe, while 6 participated in drill.
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Among the capabilities rehearsed were the use of the Oreshnik missile system and planning involving tactical nuclear weapons, elements that underscore Moscow’s intent to include strategic deterrence in its training.
The announcement and the scale of Zapad‑2025 have raised concern in NATO and bordering states. Countries such as Poland, Lithuania, and Latvia have expressed alarm at the military activity, especially given its proximity and the drills’ apparent inclusion of options for nuclear weapons deployment as well as rehearsals for airstrikes and naval operations.
Despite those concerns, the Russian government has described the exercises as defensive in nature and not directed against any particular third country.
Putin, in his address to participants, said the drills are grounded in lessons learned from “special military operations” – a reference to Russia’s ongoing war in Ukraine.
Sohail Majeed
Sohail Majeed is a Special Correspondent at The Diplomatic Insight. He has twelve plus years of experience in journalism & reporting. He covers International Affairs, Diplomacy, UN, Sports, Climate Change, Economy, Technology, and Health.
