This year’s drills will involve at least 13,000 Belarusian troops, along with an unspecified number of Russian forces.
On August 13, 2025, Belarusian Defense Minister Viktor Khrenin announced that Russia and Belarus will conduct military exercises focused on planning for the potential use of nuclear weapons and Russia’s Oreshnik hypersonic missiles during the Zapad-2025 drills, reports 24brussels.
Khrenin emphasized the strategic importance of these preparations, particularly for deterrence, following a closed meeting with Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko. He asserted that the armed forces will practice “the planning of nuclear weapons use” alongside the deployment of the Oreshnik missile system, which Russian President Vladimir Putin has agreed to provide to Belarus.
“As required by the head of state, we must be ready for anything. We see the situation on our western and northern borders and cannot simply stand by watching the militarization and military activities of NATO countries,” Khrenin stated, underscoring that while Belarus seeks peace, it must ensure its military readiness.
The Zapad-2025 exercises, which will primarily take place in Belarus, are set to involve a minimum of 13,000 Belarusian troops alongside additional Russian forces. Initially planned for mid-September 2025, these joint military activities were anticipated to showcase the close military cooperation between the two nations.
In late 2024, Belarus formalized a security pact with Russia, paving the way for Putin to suggest placing Oreshnik hypersonic missiles in Belarus by late 2025. He reiterated Moscow’s commitment to protect Belarus “with all the forces at its disposal,” including the tactical nuclear weapons stationed in Belarus since the onset of the Ukrainian conflict.
