Belarus and Russia stage joint military drills

Belarus and Russia have commenced joint military exercises known as Zapad 2025 (West 2025). The drills, which involve thousands of troops, armored vehicles, and aircraft, are taking place in Belarus and Russia. The exercises are seen as a show of force and a demonstration of the close military cooperation between the two countries. The BBC's Russia editor, Steve Rosenberg, has reported on the maneuvers, which involve a range of military activities, including combat training, air defense, and logistics operations. The drills are part of a broader effort by Russia and Belarus to strengthen their military ties and coordinate their defense strategies. The joint exercises have raised concerns among neighboring countries, who view them as a potential threat to regional stability. However, the governments of Russia and Belarus have stated that the drills are purely defensive in nature and are not directed against any specific country.