Belarus is reportedly considering relocating its joint military exercises with Russia—Zapad-2025—closer to the Polish border. According to Belarusian Deputy Defense Minister Pavel Muraveyko, the shift would be a direct response to Poland and other NATO countries’ recent military activities.
The Zapad-2025 drills are scheduled for September. Initially, the exercises were planned for western Belarus, but authorities later moved them to central and eastern regions. At the time, officials claimed the decision was aimed at improving relations with neighboring countries, including Poland.
Narrative Shift: Drills Headed Back West?
However, that narrative has now changed. In a recent interview, Muraveyko stated that the exercises might be moved back toward the western regions due to Poland’s own military maneuvers near Grodno and the Białowieża Forest. He also pointed to other NATO activities, including Lithuania’s deployment of the Iron Wolf brigade to the Pabradė training ground, as further justification.
Muraveyko argued that these actions represent military escalation on NATO’s part.
Thousands of Troops Expected for Zapad-2025
This year’s Zapad-2025 drills are officially expected to involve around 13,000 troops on Belarusian training grounds. However, Western military analysts warn that the actual numbers could be far higher, with some suggesting Russia may deploy over 100,000 soldiers to Belarus during the exercises.
Poland Responds with ‘Iron Defender’ Drills
In response to these developments, the Polish Armed Forces announced their own major military exercise, codenamed “Iron Defender”, which will involve 34,000 troops. According to Poland’s General Staff, the drills aim to test interoperability, demonstrate deterrence capabilities, and reinforce collective NATO defense.
“These exercises are not directed against any specific nation—they are a show of unity, transformation, and readiness,” read the official statement.
