Description: Belorussian defense official Valery Revenko has stated that Zapad 2025 or West 2025 joint military exercise with Russian forces has been scheduled for Sep. The announcement comes after the recent signing of a joint – defensive pact between Russia and Belarus which allowed Russia to deploy tactical nuclear weapons on Belorussian territory as a deterrent against potential aggression from the West. Belorussian defense authorities also stated that OSCE representatives would be invited to monitor the exercises, and that Belarus was open to joint military inspections with Poland which could loosen military tensions on the border. Ukrainian President Volodymir Zelenskyy stated that Russian military buildup in Belarus was only a prelude to Russia’s intention to attack Eastern European countries allied with the West.
Impact: Preemptive announcements of joint military exercises only showcased the positive geopolitical outlook that Russia enjoys momentarily. Russia has untied the proverbial knot with the US and aims at asserting as much dominance as possible with potential Ukraine peace talks coming in the most convenient period. Europe’s discoordinated approach in terms of collective defense could prompt Eastern European countries into an enhanced defense spending as the US continues to distance itself from a coordinated defense strategy in Europe. Positive signals from the authoritarian regime in Belarus such as the invitation of OSCE representatives and openness towards joint inspections with Poland indicate a larger long – term strategy dictated by Russia and aimed at reasserting further dominance in Eastern Europe and beyond.