Russia and Belarus to simulate nuclear weapon use in Zapad-2025 exercise

Belarusian Minister of Defense Viktor Hrenin announced that the Zapad-2025 exercise, held jointly with Russia in September, will include practicing the planning for the use of nuclear weapons and the Oreshnik missile system.

According to the Zvezda channel, Hrenin stated, “We see the situation on our western and northern borders, and we cannot calmly watch the militarization and military activities. We demonstrate our openness and peacefulness, but it is always necessary to keep our powder dry.”

We will respond to aggression

Minister Hrenin noted that Minsk is particularly concerned about the formation of a 30,000 to 34,000-strong military unit in Poland.

Hrenin stated, “We need to monitor the situation very carefully, and we will do so; we will respond. If they show any aggression toward the Republic of Belarus, we have a response.”

The Zapad-2025 exercise will take place on Belarusian territory from September 12-16. The stated objective of the maneuvers is to “practice the deployment of troops to ensure the military security of the Union State of the Russian Federation and the Republic of Belarus.”

As part of the exercise, the military personnel of the two countries will also conduct training such as repelling air attacks and combating sabotage groups of a hypothetical enemy.

Russia began deploying its troops to Belarus last week.

Russia’s nuclear doctrine also covers Belarus

In November 2024, Russian President Vladimir Putin approved changes to his country’s state policy in the field of nuclear deterrence.

A clause was added to Russia’s doctrine that includes the possibility of a nuclear strike in response to “an attack by any non-nuclear state with the participation or support of a nuclear state” against either Russia or Belarus.

In December, Putin decided to deploy Oreshnik ballistic missiles on Belarusian territory at the request of Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko. In a statement on July 1, 2025, Lukashenko indicated that the Russian system would arrive in the country by the end of the year.

In March, he stated that Belarusian specialists had prepared several launch pads for the deployment of the Oreshnik and that the system was ready for installation.

Lukashenko confirmed this information in an interview with Time magazine on August 8, stating, “We have identified the first positions; they are currently being prepared.”

As preparations for Zapad-2025 continue, the Lithuanian army announced it would raise its combat readiness level in August and September.

Meanwhile, Poland announced it would conduct the “Iron Defender” exercise, its largest divisional drill in recent years.