Fri Sep 12 07:08:05 UTC 2025: **Headline: Russia and Belarus Launch Massive Military Drills Near NATO Border Amid Rising Tensions**

**Moscow, September 12, 2025 (The Hindu) –** Russia and Belarus commenced large-scale joint military exercises, dubbed “Zapad-2025,” on Friday, taking place in both countries and in the Baltic and Barents Seas. The drills occur against a backdrop of heightened tensions in the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war, exacerbated by a recent incident in which Poland, with NATO support, shot down suspected Russian drones over its airspace.

The Zapad-2025 exercise, planned before the drone incident, aims to bolster the skills of commanders and troops, improve cooperation, and enhance field training, according to the Russian Defence Ministry. The initial phase will simulate repelling an attack on Russia and Belarus, with the second phase focusing on restoring the “territorial integrity of the Union State” and defeating the enemy, potentially involving a coalition of forces from allied nations.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov insisted the drills are not directed against any specific country, despite their proximity to the Polish border. However, the drone incident has been viewed in the West as a significant provocation and a test of NATO’s response capabilities. While Russia denies responsibility for the drones entering Polish airspace, a senior Russian diplomat claimed they originated from Ukraine. The Russian Defence Ministry acknowledged its drones conducted an attack in western Ukraine, but denied any intention to target Poland.

U.S. President Donald Trump downplayed the drone incursion, suggesting it “could have been a mistake.”

Prior to the exercise, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk condemned the Zapad maneuvers as “very aggressive” and announced the closure of Poland’s border with Belarus on Thursday. Lithuania and Latvia, also bordering Belarus, have increased security measures along their borders in response to the military drills.

The exercises are likely to further strain relations between Russia and NATO, with concerns rising about the potential for miscalculation and escalation in the already volatile region. The Hindu will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as they become available.

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