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- Russia holds major war games in Belarus amid NATO tensions (abcnews.go.com)
Russia Flexes Military Muscle in Belarus Amid Heightened NATO Tensions
BORISOVSKY TRAINING GROUND, Belarus – Russia showcased its military might during joint exercises with Belarus on Monday, sparking concern among neighboring NATO countries. These exercises, involving around 7,000 troops, are taking place across several locations, including Belarus, Russia’s Kaliningrad exclave, and the Baltic and Barents seas, against a backdrop of escalating tensions in Europe.
At the Borisovsky Training Ground, a mock battle unfolded before international media, featuring Russian and Belarusian aircraft, helicopters, tanks, and artillery simulating an assault against a fictional Western adversary. Su-34 fighter bombers, tanks, and tracer fire filled the air as the joint forces practiced retaking a village.
Reflecting the evolving nature of warfare, drones played a prominent role, including reconnaissance, kamikaze, and bomber drones, alongside ground-based robots for casualty evacuation. The display concluded with two drones carrying Russian and Belarusian flags hovering before the assembled spectators.
These drills come on the heels of a significant incursion into Poland by Russian drones, the largest of its kind into NATO airspace. This incident, which saw Polish and Dutch fighter jets downing several drones, has raised alarms within the alliance about a potential escalation of the conflict.
The Zapad exercises, traditionally held biennially, simulate a defense against a Western attack on Belarus. This year’s iteration occurs amid drastically reduced Russian participation due to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
Concerns have been raised about a potential focus on nuclear weapons, including drills related to the nuclear-capable Oreshnik missile. NATO members have responded with heightened alertness, including border and airspace closures by Poland, Lithuania, and Latvia.
Adding another layer of complexity is the recent thaw in U.S.-Belarusian relations. Despite previous sanctions, the U.S. recently lifted sanctions on Belavia, Belarus’ state-owned airline, and signaled intentions to reopen its embassy in Minsk.
In return, Belarus released numerous political prisoners. This shift was underscored by the presence of two U.S. military officers as observers at the exercises, alongside representatives from countries friendly to Moscow.
While Russian and Belarusian officials maintain the drills are purely defensive, the timing and scale of the exercises have fueled anxieties within NATO. The Kremlin insists the exercises are not directed against any third country but has also accused NATO of being directly and indirectly involved in the war in Ukraine.
The exercises coincide with ongoing diplomatic efforts, including U.S. President Donald Trump’s attempts to arrange a meeting between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. However, President Trump’s recent comments downplaying the significance of the drone incursions into Poland and his reluctance to impose further sanctions on Russia have added to the existing tensions.
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