Belarus wrapped up its massive Zapad-2025 military exercises on September 16, showcasing the capabilities of both Belarusian and Russian forces.
According to the Belarusian General Staff, all planned objectives were successfully completed, including drills involving non-strategic nuclear weapons and preparations for deploying the Oreshnik missile system by the end of the year.
Nuclear Planning and Oreshnik Deployment Take Center Stage
General Staff Chief Pavel Muraveyko described the nuclear planning elements and the evaluation of Oreshnik’s deployment as the most critical parts of the exercise.
He confirmed that every task set at the start of the drills was fully achieved. Muraveyko also singled out the performance of the air defense forces, praising their work as deserving the highest marks.
Drones were heavily utilized across multiple scenarios and locations, giving the Belarusian and Russian forces valuable insights into modern warfare techniques.
“There is much to analyze, but one thing is clear: we are defending our own land,” Muraveyko noted.
Iskander-M Systems Deployed in Kaliningrad
As part of Zapad-2025, Russia stationed Iskander-M operational-tactical missile systems in the Kaliningrad region.
Defense officials reported conducting electronic launches, allowing crews to carry out all launch procedures without firing actual missiles.
The exercises included moving the systems into combat positions, making tactical decisions under pressure, and simulating attacks.
Moscow has regularly deployed Iskanders in Kaliningrad since 2014, and these maneuvers reaffirmed the readiness of these strategic systems.
International Observers Witness the Drills
Belarus aimed for maximum transparency by inviting all 56 OSCE member states under the Vienna Document framework.
Observers from 23 countries attended, including three NATO members: Hungary, Turkey, and the United States.
On September 15, Defense Minister Viktor Khrenin met US Defense Attaché Brian Shupp at the Borisov training ground.
Reuters highlighted the presence of American observers as a potential sign of improving ties between Minsk and Washington.
Since President Donald Trump returned to the White House, US envoys have made multiple visits to Belarus.
In August, Trump spoke with President Aleksandr Lukashenko ahead of a planned US-Russia summit.
Early September saw US envoy John Cole announce plans to reopen the embassy in Minsk, while Washington partially lifted sanctions on Belarusian airline Belavia.
Media Coverage and Public Demonstrations
The exercises were staged at multiple sites across Belarus, with around 100 journalists from over 10 countries attending the Borisov training ground on September 15.
Observers were separated into areas for media coverage and military delegations, including foreign officers.
The scenario depicted a fictional conflict where the Republic of Polesye and its ally, the Eastern Republic, were attacked by an adversary attempting to destabilize the government.
According to the exercise script, the allies successfully repelled the aggression, highlighting coordinated defense capabilities and joint operational readiness.
What the Exercises Signal
Zapad-2025 not only demonstrated the tactical and strategic prowess of Belarusian and Russian forces but also underscored a willingness to showcase modern military technology and joint operational capabilities to international observers.
Between nuclear planning, missile system drills, and drone usage, the exercises offered a clear picture of how these forces might respond in high-stakes scenarios.