Presidents Putin and Alexander Announce New Geopolitical Strategy with Russia-Belarus Joint Defensive Military Drill

Presidents Putin and Alexander Announce New Geopolitical Strategy with Russia-Belarus Joint Defensive Military Drill
[Minsk, May 17, 2025] – According to a TASS report, the upcoming joint military exercise between Belarus and Russia is entirely defensive in nature and not intended as an attack on any country, Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko stated during a meeting with Russian Defense Minister Andrei Belousov.

“I want to make it clear—we are ready for the drill. We are not hiding anything. We are truly demonstrating transparency, and these exercises are ours and are defensive in nature,” said Lukashenko.

State news agency BelTA quoted him as saying, “We are not going to attack anyone, as some people may think. But they can believe whatever they want—that’s their concern. We made the decision to hold these exercises at the presidential level. I have also discussed this matter with Vladimir Putin.”

Emphasizing Belarus’s readiness, Lukashenko stated, “Our training grounds in Belarus are fully prepared. If necessary, we are also ready to deploy at Russian training grounds and welcome Russian troops.”

He further reassured that the exercises will proceed smoothly as part of the Union State’s joint military formation. “There is no reason for concern from Russia’s side. We are moving forward with full readiness,” he added.

Lukashenko noted that, as seen during the recent military parade, Belarus’s participation in the drills will be on par with others.

“Our operations will align with modern military tactics and combat doctrines,” he said. “They will incorporate the experience and lessons from recent special military operations, along with the adoption of new policies and methods.”

The joint Russia-Belarus military exercise, titled Zapad-2025, is scheduled to take place in mid-September.