Russia-Belarus joint military exercise heightens tensions in Poland; NATO border concerns rise

 International Desk | PNN

Russia and Belarus launched a large-scale military exercise, “Zapad 2025”, on Friday, which will continue until next Tuesday. The exercise comes just days after Poland accused Moscow of escalating tensions by sending drones into its airspace, raising concerns across Europe.

According to the Russian Ministry of Defense, the exercise aims to enhance the skills of commanders and military personnel, improve coordination among regional and allied forces, and strengthen joint combat training. However, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov claimed that the exercise was planned long ago and is “not directed against any specific country.”

Despite these assurances, the situation is sending a different message. On Thursday night, Poland closed the last open border crossings with Belarus. Minsk state media reported that barbed wire barricades have been installed at the border.

Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk described the ongoing period as a “critical and tense day,” warning that the country is approaching an “open conflict” for the first time since World War II.

Polish Interior Minister Mariusz Kiełbinski stated, “This military exercise in Belarus is directly aimed at Poland, and the decision to close the border has been taken to ensure the safety of our citizens. In recent days, Russia has been acting aggressively not just toward Poland, but toward the entire civilized world.”

Meanwhile, Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha, meeting in Kyiv on Friday with Poland’s Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski, said, “Even amid Russia’s acts of terror and provocations targeting Poland, we stand united.”