dw.com
Zapad 2025 Military Exercises: Heightened Tensions in Eastern Europe
Joint Russian-Belarusian military exercises, Zapad 2025, began on September 12, 2025, involving fewer than 13,000 troops, but raising concerns among NATO members due to their proximity to European borders and following recent Russian drone incursions into Poland.
- What are the key features and objectives of the Zapad 2025 military exercises?
- Zapad 2025, a joint military exercise between Russia and Belarus, runs from September 12-16, 2025. It involves fewer than 13,000 troops, using heavy armored vehicles, helicopters, drones, electronic warfare technologies, and AI to simulate repelling attacks and missile strikes. Belarus confirmed exercises will include the use of Russian Oreshnik nuclear-capable missiles.
- What are the broader implications and potential future consequences of Zapad 2025?
- Zapad 2025 follows a series of major drone attacks on Ukraine and the first instance of a NATO country firing on Russian targets. The exercises, coupled with the drone incident, have heightened tensions, with Poland describing the situation as its closest point to open conflict since World War II. Germany has increased its military presence along the border and other NATO countries are expressing concern about Russia's actions.
- Where are the exercises taking place, and what is the level of international concern?
- The exercises primarily occur in Belarus, bordering Poland, Lithuania, Latvia, and Ukraine, with additional locations in western Russia and naval deployments in the Baltic, Barents, and Arctic Seas. Neighboring NATO states are on high alert due to the exercises' proximity and following a recent incursion of Russian drones into Poland, prompting Poland to close its border with Belarus and initiate its own military exercises, 'Iron Defender'.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The article presents a balanced overview of Zapad 2025, including perspectives from various stakeholders such as NATO members, Poland, and Russia. However, the inclusion of the Polish Prime Minister's statement about being closest to open conflict since WWII might slightly skew the narrative towards highlighting the severity of the situation from a Polish perspective. The headline could be improved to be more neutral, avoiding potentially alarmist language.
Language Bias
The language used is largely neutral and objective, reporting facts and statements from various sources. However, phrases like "intensificării recente a agresiunii ruse" (recent intensification of Russian aggression) and descriptions of Russian actions as "incursiunea unor drone rusești" (incursion of Russian drones) could be perceived as slightly biased, although they reflect common geopolitical narratives. More neutral phrasing could be used, such as "military actions" or "drone flights", depending on the context. The use of quotes helps to maintain objectivity, but selecting which quotes to include might subtly influence the reader's perception.
Bias by Omission
While the article provides a comprehensive overview, it could benefit from including additional perspectives, such as those from Belarussian officials beyond confirming the military exercises. Also, it lacks details on the specific military capabilities being showcased in Zapad 2025, potentially underreporting the technological aspects and their significance. Given the article's length, these omissions are likely due to space constraints rather than intentional bias.
Sustainable Development Goals
The Zapad 2025 military exercises, involving Russia and Belarus, increase regional tensions and threaten peace and security. The exercises are viewed by neighboring NATO countries as a potential precursor to further aggression, leading to heightened military preparedness and border closures. The drone incursions into Poland further escalate tensions and undermine international law and stability.