Warsaw prepares for possible action as Belarus-Russia military drill sparks tensions

Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk has signaled that Warsaw is prepared to implement “special measures” against Belarus should provocations arise during the forthcoming Belarus-Russia joint military drill, “Zapad-2025.”

Speaking to the press, Tusk emphasized Poland’s vigilance amid escalating regional tensions, Caliber.Az reports, citing foreign media.

Tusk declared that he did not rule out the possibility of applying special measures against Belarus if provocations from the Belarusian side continued, adding that he would provide more details on the matter the following week. He underscored the seriousness with which Poland viewed the potential threats coming from its eastern neighbor.

The remarks come in the context of growing concerns in Warsaw over the nature and intent of the “Zapad-2025” drill, which are set to take place later this month. Tusk characterized the exercises as inherently “aggressive,” criticizing them for “simulating an attack rather than defence,” a portrayal that reflects the broader apprehension among NATO members about the strategic implications of Russian and Belarusian military activities near their borders.

Poland, the largest ally in the region which borders Belarus and Russia’s Kaliningrad, is working with its NATO partners to ensure monitoring of the forthcoming exercises, but also acting within the framework of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE), according to the country’s Ministry of National Defence.

“The upcoming ‘Zapad 2025’ exercises by Russia and Belarus, in the context of the ongoing war against Ukraine, illustrate further aggressive behavior and deepening cooperation between the two countries,” a spokesperson for the Polish ministry said.

Warsaw considers the risk of provocations by Moscow and Minsk will rise during “Zapad 2025.” These could involve cyberattacks against allies, GPS jamming targeting NATO infrastructure, or small-scale military incidents designed to test Poland’s capacity to respond, according to the ministry’s representative.

By Vafa Guliyeva