In a display of military precision far from the frontlines, Russian President Vladimir Putin donned his army uniform today at the Zapad 2025 war games, set about 500 miles from active combat zones.
While the Kremlin leader appeared in full tactical gear, Ukrainian cities continued to bear the brunt of Russia’s drone attacks, with Kharkiv among the latest targets.
Drone Attacks Hit Residential Areas in Kharkiv
The Ukrainian prosecutor’s office reported that a Russian drone strike hit a residential neighborhood in Kharkiv, injuring four people.
Shocking footage captured one missile spiraling through the sky before destroying a building in flames.
In addition, an educational facility was struck, and aerial shots revealed a property missing most of its roof while firefighters battled the aftermath.
Putin’s War Games Take Center Stage
Meanwhile, in Russia’s Nizhny Novgorod region, 72-year-old Putin appeared in army fatigues with Strekoza tactical glasses for the high-profile Zapad 2025 exercises.
Unlike Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, who often visits frontline positions with his soldiers, Putin stayed away from active conflict zones.
His previous uniform appearance in March 2025 sparked skepticism, with some claiming he used a body double.
A Show of Strength for the West
The Zapad drills, conducted in Belarus, involve around 100,000 servicemen and 10,000 pieces of weapons and equipment.
Putin addressed foreign observers and participants, emphasizing that the exercises simulate defensive responses to a hypothetical Western invasion.
He highlighted the participation of 333 tactical and strategic aircraft, military transport planes, and over 247 surface ships, submarines, and support vessels.
Twenty-five foreign delegations also attended.
NATO Faces Rising Drone Incursions
The war games coincided with alarming Russian drone activity over Europe.
Last week alone, drones intruded into Polish, Romanian, and Latvian airspace, prompting NATO to scramble jets to intercept several.
Poland described the flights as deliberate provocations, and two Belarusians were arrested after a drone flew over the Polish presidential palace.
Calls for Stronger NATO Support
Military experts have warned that NATO must respond decisively to prevent further Russian incursions.
Hamish de Bretton-Gordon, former British Army colonel, urged a no-fly zone over Ukraine to protect civilians, stressing that showing resolve is crucial to deterring Putin.
Poland’s foreign minister echoed the call, emphasizing that NATO should intercept Russian drones and missiles over Ukraine.
Zapad Drills Signal Broader Ambitions
Analysts note that Russia uses Zapad exercises to test war scenarios and demonstrate military capability.
Natia Seskuria from RUSI highlighted that while the scale is smaller than in previous years, these drills, combined with drone provocations, send a message that Russia’s ambitions extend beyond Ukraine.
She said the exercises also gauge NATO’s willingness to defend eastern European allies, with Poland and the Baltic states being closely watched.
Putin Appeals to Domestic and International Audiences
The Zapad drills and cross-border drone incursions serve multiple purposes for Putin.
They reinforce his image at home, portraying NATO as the enemy, while simultaneously testing Europe’s response without triggering a full-scale war.
For analysts, these moves underscore that Russia’s strategic focus is not limited to Ukraine but also involves testing NATO’s readiness along the eastern flank.
What’s Next
As Zapad 2025 concludes, the West watches closely to see how Russia will act next.
With drones continuing to violate European airspace and military exercises showcasing Russia’s capabilities, NATO faces the challenge of maintaining a strong deterrent while avoiding escalation into wider conflict.