Russian and Belarusian flags flutter at a training ground during the joint Russian-Belarusian military exercises ‘West-2025’ near Borisov, Belarus, on September 15, 2025. REUTERS
As reported by Reuters
U.S. officers arrived in Belarus to observe the joint Russian-Belarusian exercises Zapad-2025. Monitoring is underway during the maneuvers, which will run from September 12 to 16 and are drawing significant attention to the interaction between the two countries.
The Belarusian Ministry of Defense confirmed the arrival of American observers and their participation in the monitoring through official channels. During a meeting with representatives of the United States, Belarusian Defense Minister Viktor Khrenin assured that participants would be given full access to information. According to the Ministry of Defense, the training in monitoring mode attracted delegations from 23 countries, including three NATO members – the United States, Hungary, and Turkey.
Approximately 150 journalists from 15 countries were registered at the exercises themselves, indicating a high level of interest in the events surrounding Zapad-2025.
Chronicle of Participants and Latest Developments
On September 11, after a Minsk meeting between the Deputy Special Representative of the U.S. President and the President of Belarus, authorities announced the release and transfer to Lithuania of 52 political prisoners. Among the freed are citizens of various European countries and other foreign nationals; some of them were from Lithuania, Latvia, Poland, Germany, France, and the United Kingdom.
Changes in sanctions policy: there were reports of possible easing of restrictions on the Belarusian airline Belavia amid preparations for joint events, with sources claiming that the decision could be taken at the highest level.
Context of the Exercises and the Involvement of Russia and Belarus
The joint Russian-Belarusian exercises Zapad-2025 began on September 12. According to Baltic defense officials, about 30,000 service members are involved. The main goal of the maneuvers is to demonstrate capabilities and test allies’ readiness to respond to various threats.
On August 6, the first train carrying Russian servicemen and equipment for training and further participation in the joint exercises arrived in Belarus. From September 12–16, the Belarusian Ministry of Defense confirmed the timeframe and stated that the main aim is to test the capabilities of both countries to guarantee security and deter possible aggression.
Political and Regional Reactions
Regional attention to the events is growing: Ukrainian leaders warn of potential scenario developments and emphasize the risks associated with the Russian-Belarusian drills. Poland also announced plans to close the border with Belarus for the duration of the exercises, while Lithuania intends to bolster border protection with Belarus and Russia, citing data from the border service.
Read also:
- Joint military exercises “Zapad-2025” by Belarus and Russia raise concerns in Lithuania and the Baltics, but border guards assess the risk of full-scale attack as minimal while monitoring the situation closely.
- Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) military drills began in Belarus, focusing on nuclear weapon deployment scenarios with over 2,000 troops and advanced equipment involved, raising regional security concerns.
- The US, South Korea, and Japan will conduct Freedom Edge joint military exercises from September 15-19 to enhance multi-domain defense capabilities and regional stability amid North Korean threats.
