Russia and Belarus Joint Military Drills
Russia and Belarus have started their joint military drills on Friday called “Zapad” which means “West.”
At the same time Vladimir Putin’s forces are moving across the large front line in Ukraine attacking cities with missiles and drones.
Poland, Lithuania and Latvia are all on high alert as NATO’s eastern flank borders Belarus where the Zapad military exercises are taking place using live ammunition.
Poland has ordered the border with Belarus to be closed and the Polish military are firmly on standby, as are Latvia and Lithuania.
Current Situation
Warsaw has placed 40,000 troops to the Belarusian border over fears the military drills could be a precursor to an attack on Poland, although this is highly unlikely.
The Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk has said Poland is facing “critical days” warning his country is closer to “open conflict” now than at any point since World War Two.
The Kremlin’s spokesman Dmitry Peskov said, “These are planned exercises, they are not aimed against anyone,” and he has rejected claims the military exercises are “aggressive.”
Military Drills and Nuclear Weapons
RBC-Ukraine reported that the military drills also plan to practice nuclear weapons and the Oreshnik missile system, but only in simulation.
Yan Avsieiushkin, an analyst for the iSANS project said, “This sends a signal to the West, including regarding nuclear and hypersonic weapons, involving Belarus in this track, in particular as a continuation of the projection of Russian military and political power. It also creates a security and information curtain, maintaining tension.”
Retired colonel and former deputy director of the Information and Analytical Department of the Defense Intelligence of Ukraine Serhii Mishchenko (name changed at the request of the interviewee) told RBC-Ukraine, “This is a show of force to the US and NATO.
“But the Russians are afraid to strain relations with the West too much right now, because that could push Trump to impose additional sanctions.
“That is why the exercises are relatively small in scale. And they are far from the borders of Europe.”
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Conclusion
The joint military drills between Russia and Belarus have raised concerns among neighboring countries, particularly Poland, Lithuania, and Latvia. The exercises, which include the practice of nuclear weapons and the Oreshnik missile system, have been deemed a show of force to the US and NATO. However, the Russians are cautious not to strain relations with the West too much, fearing additional sanctions. The situation remains tense, with Poland and other neighboring countries on high alert.
FAQs
A: The joint military drills are called “Zapad” which means “West.”
Q: What is the current situation with the military drills?
A: The military drills are taking place using live ammunition, and Poland, Lithuania, and Latvia are on high alert. Warsaw has placed 40,000 troops to the Belarusian border over fears the military drills could be a precursor to an attack on Poland.
Q: Are the military drills a threat to neighboring countries?
A: The military drills have raised concerns among neighboring countries, but the Russians have stated that the exercises are not aimed against anyone. However, the situation remains tense, and Poland and other neighboring countries are on high alert.
Q: What is the purpose of the military drills?
A: The military drills are a show of force to the US and NATO, and they also create a security and information curtain, maintaining tension. The exercises are also a demonstration of Russian military and political power.
