Russia and Belarus will hold a joint military exercise in September, involving over 13,000 troops. The exercise, known as Zapad, or West, 2025, is part of the two countries’ efforts to expand their military ties amid the conflict in Ukraine.
The drill will be monitored by observers from the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe, and Belarus has also offered to conduct mutual military inspections with Poland. The move comes as Russia has denied allegations of planning to attack NATO members, despite a significant military buildup in Belarus.