Russia and Belarus Prepare for “West-2025” Military Exercises Amidst Rising Tensions
In September, joint strategic command and staff exercises titled “West-2025” between Russia and Belarus are set to take place. According to sources within Ukrainian defense circles, these exercises may simulate a reduced scenario of an invasion of Ukraine, specifically targeting Kyiv. This information is highlighted in a piece by international politics analyst Volodymyr Kravchenko, reports 24brussels.
Such maneuvers are not unexpected, as the occupation of Ukraine’s capital remains a key objective of Russia’s perceived military objectives, stressing the importance of establishing robust political control over Ukraine, Kravchenko notes. Additionally, Russian and Belarusian forces could practice actions that threaten the Rivne Nuclear Power Plant, aiming to disrupt the supply of weapons and military equipment from Poland.
Kravchenko also contemplates potential scenarios involving the invasion of Lithuania and Poland and the establishment of control over the Suwałki Corridor. This critical land stretch of about 65 kilometers between Poland and Lithuania serves as a vital link separating Kaliningrad from Belarus.
The possible capture of this corridor by Russia could effectively isolate the Baltic states from the rest of NATO members, hampering military assistance to these nations. Analysts consider the Suwałki Corridor as a primary target for Putin should Russia decide to escalate military operations against the Baltic states and Poland.
