Zapad 2025 drills near Europe

Russia and Belarus plan large scale nuclear missile drills close to Europe next month.

Russia Belarus stage joint nuclear drills near Europe with up to 150,000 troops

Russia and Belarus will stage Zapad-2025 drills next month near the EU and NATO eastern flank. Belarus will practice deploying Russia's Oreshnik missiles, a plan confirmed by its defence minister, and NATO estimates the drills could involve up to 150,000 troops. The exercises follow Belarus's role as a staging area for Russia's Ukraine campaign and come as Moscow moves more units toward the region.

Belarus and Russia have begun moving units toward the exercise; official figures put participation around 13,000, while NATO says it could reach 150,000. The drills are scheduled for September 12 to 16 and are expected to test joint command and control near Belarus's western border.

These drills show how Moscow leans on its allies to project power without bearing all the risk. Belarus economic and political ties with Russia make it a natural partner for such demonstrations.

The risk is not only military. The scale and location raise questions about regional security and the possibility of accidental escalation. Western leaders should press for transparency and keep channels open with Moscow while seeking ways to lower tension in the long run.

Highlights

Diplomacy should guide the next steps as tensions shape the region.