dw.com
Zapad 2025: Russia-Belarus Military Exercises Raise Tensions
Joint Russian-Belarusian military exercises, Zapad 2025, are underway from September 12-16, involving troops and weaponry in Belarus and western Russia, simulating conflict scenarios near European borders, prompting concerns from NATO members.
- What is the significance of the Zapad 2025 military exercises?
- Zapad 2025 is a joint military exercise between Russia and Belarus, simulating conflict scenarios near key European borders. The exercises involve a reported 13,000 troops, but this number may be understated. The proximity to NATO states and the timing following a Russian drone incursion into Poland heighten regional tensions.
- Where are the Zapad 2025 exercises taking place, and what military assets are being used?
- The exercises are primarily in Belarus, bordering Poland, Latvia, and Lithuania, with additional activity in western Russia, the Baltic and Barents Seas, and the Arctic Ocean. They involve heavy armored vehicles, helicopters, ships, drones, electronic warfare technology, artificial intelligence, and drills preparing for the use of Russian nuclear-capable Oreshnik missiles.
- Why are neighboring countries concerned about Zapad 2025, and what actions have they taken in response?
- Neighboring NATO members are concerned that Zapad 2025, following a Russian drone strike on Poland and increased Russian aggression in Ukraine, could provide a pretext for further Russian actions. Poland has closed its border with Belarus, initiated its own military exercises ('Iron Defender') with 30,000 troops and an additional 5,000 along the Belarusian border. Lithuania is also increasing its border presence.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The article presents a balanced account of the Zapad 2025 military exercises, outlining the official statements from Russia and Belarus while also highlighting the concerns of neighboring NATO countries. The inclusion of various perspectives prevents a one-sided narrative. However, the headline's choice of words like "escalating tensions" and "ramping up of Russian aggression" might subtly frame the situation as more hostile than it might be, though this is mitigated by later explanation.
Language Bias
The language used is largely neutral, employing terms like "joint military exercises," "simulated operations," and "rehearse missile strikes." However, the description of the exercises as occurring "amid escalating tensions" and the repeated use of "aggression" in relation to Russia could be considered somewhat loaded. More neutral alternatives could include "heightened regional activity" or "military actions".
Bias by Omission
While the article provides a good overview, it could benefit from including alternative perspectives beyond the statements of involved countries and NATO members. For instance, it could mention potential viewpoints from international organizations like the UN or neutral analyses of military capabilities involved. Given the scope of the article, this omission doesn't severely detract, but expanding perspectives would enrich the piece.
Sustainable Development Goals
The Zapad military exercises, involving a significant number of troops and advanced weaponry, increase regional tensions and the risk of conflict. This directly undermines peace and security in the region, impacting the goal of peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development. The exercises' proximity to European borders and their potential to mask aggressive military action further exacerbate this negative impact.