Zapad-2025: Russia, Belarus to bolster military cooperation with key joint drills

Next year, Russia and Belarus will conduct joint strategic manoeuvres under the name "Zapad."

These exercises will focus on addressing contemporary security challenges for both nations, with consideration given to the current situation in Russia's "special military operation" zone, Caliber.Az reports via Russian media.

Russian Defenсe Minister Andrey Belousov confirmed the plans, stating, "We aim to maintain a high level of combat readiness. The joint strategic exercise 'Zapad' in 2025 will be the culmination of this effort. The training will reflect modern threats facing Russia and Belarus, as well as the evolving situation in the special military operation zone." Belousov made these remarks following a joint board meeting of the defence ministries of Russia and Belarus, held in Minsk.

He further highlighted that preparations are underway for a new Treaty on Military Security Guarantees between Russia and Belarus, alongside a new Security Concept for the Union State. In addition, the meeting approved a military security plan for 2025–2027, with both nations' forces continuing operational, combat, and mobilization training based on lessons from the "special military operation."

Belarusian Defense Minister Viktor Khrenin added that the general staff of both countries are already preparing for "Zapad-2025." He emphasized the strong strategic partnership between Russia and Belarus, stating that their integration on security matters is essential amidst the global East-West confrontation. Khrenin noted that both nations share a unified perspective on assessing challenges and threats.

The "Zapad" military exercises, traditionally held in Belarus every two years by the decision of the presidents of Russia and Belarus, serve as the final phase of their joint military preparation. The last "Zapad" exercise took place in 2021.

"Zapad-2021" spanned from September 10 to 16, with activities occurring across nine Russian and five Belarusian training grounds. The drills involved around 13,000 Belarusian and 200,000 Russian military personnel, along with over 1,000 military units, including tanks, artillery, mortars, multiple rocket launchers, aircraft, helicopters, and ships.

By Tamilla Hasanova