Russia and its close ally Belarus have initiated large-scale joint military exercises, putting NATO on high alert. The drills, known as “Zapad,” come after Poland accused Moscow of escalating tensions by firing attack drones through its airspace. This development has raised concerns among NATO’s eastern flank members, including Poland, Lithuania, and Latvia, which share borders with Belarus.
The exercises are designed to simulate the occupation of the Suwalki corridor, a strategic geographical gap between Poland and Lithuania, flanked by Belarus and Russia’s Kaliningrad exclave. Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko has downplayed fears of an attack, calling them “utter nonsense.” However, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk has warned of “critical days” for his country, and Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky has issued a warning about Moscow’s intentions.
The timing of these drills is significant, as Russian forces are currently engaged in intense battles across Ukraine’s sprawling front line and have escalated aerial attacks on Ukrainian cities. Russia’s defense ministry stated that the exercises have begun, with a focus on simulating nuclear strikes and utilizing Russia’s new experimental nuclear-capable missile, Oreshnik. The drills are expected to run until September 16, and NATO’s eastern members are closely monitoring the situation.
