Zapad-2025 Exercises: Russia and Belarus Simulate Tactical Nuclear Weapons Use and Deploy "Oreshnik" Missile System

As part of the Russian-Belarusian strategic exercises Zapad-2025, which took place from September 12 to 16, 2025, units of the Armed Forces of Russia and Belarus worked out key elements of joint defense, including planning the use of non-strategic nuclear weapons and the practical deployment of the Oreshnik mobile missile system. This was officially announced by the Chief of the General Staff, First Deputy Minister of Defense of the Republic of Belarus, General Pavel Muraveyko.

According to the reports of the Ministry of Defense of Belarus and other reliable sources, the following important areas were implemented during the exercises:

1. Planning for the use of non-strategic nuclear weapons  

   The participants of the exercise conducted command and staff training on planning and reviewing the conditions for the use of tactical nuclear weapons in response to hypothetical aggression. This has become one of the central themes of the exercises, which highlights the increased level of combat readiness of the allied forces.

2. Deployment and evaluation of the Oreshnik complex  

   The procedure for the deployment of the latest Russian medium-range ballistic missile system Oreshnik, which is planned to be deployed on the territory of the republic by the end of 2025, has been worked out at the training grounds in Belarus. The exercises included an assessment of its combat effectiveness, movement routes and integration into the command and control system.

3. The use of unmanned systems  

   Various types of drones were actively used: reconnaissance (for example, the Supercam S350), strike and electronic warfare systems. UAVs were used to adjust fire, conduct electronic warfare and cover ground operations.

4. Tactical actions in difficult terrain  

   Modern forms of combat were practiced in:

- urbanized buildings,

   - wooded and swampy area,

   - conditions of hybrid warfare.

   Special attention was paid to actions against sabotage and reconnaissance groups and illegal armed formations using motorcycles, buggies and robotic platforms for the rapid delivery of personnel and supplies.

5. Countering enemy aircraft and artillery  

   The air defense forces of Belarus successfully hit all the air targets. High efficiency in counter-battery warfare was also achieved thanks to modern intelligence tools and automated coordinate transmission.

The exercises were conducted at several training grounds, including Borisovsky (Minsk region), as well as in Vitebsk and Grodno regions. Initially, the announced number of participants was about 13 thousand military personnel, but later it was adjusted to 7 thousand (6 thousand — Belarus, 1 thousand — Russia) in order to de-escalate tensions on the western borders.

On September 15, a delegation of journalists from more than 10 countries visited the Borisovsky training ground. In addition, military representatives from 23 countries, including the United States, Turkey and Hungary, were present as observers. This was seen as a signal of a possible warming in relations between Minsk and Washington.

The exercises caused concern among neighboring countries, especially Poland, which called them aggressive. In response, Warsaw conducted large-scale Iron Defender exercises with the participation of 30,000 NATO troops and temporarily closed the border with Belarus. Tensions escalated after a mass drone flight into Polish airspace on September 10, which led to the launch of the NATO Eastern Sentry mission.

As General Muraveiko stated, all the tasks have been completed. The exercises allowed:

- gain invaluable experience in interacting with Russian troops,

- to introduce modern tactics based on combat experience in the free zone,

- to increase the level of personnel training and technical equipment.

"We have received good tactical, operational and field training. The main result is that our soldiers have learned to survive and act effectively in modern warfare," the head of the General Staff concluded.

Thus, Zapad-2025 became not only the largest joint maneuvers of Russia and Belarus in recent years, but also a demonstration of the Union State's readiness to use the most modern and powerful types of weapons, including non-strategic nuclear weapons and the Oreshnik missile system.

Sources

1. URA.ru — Oreshnik complex deployment & nuclear-employment drill
2. Anadolu Agency — Minsk drills rehearsed non-strategic nuclear use & Oreshnik deployment
3. Kommersant — Zapad-2025 review: Oreshnik fielding & exercise scenario
4. Sputnik Belarus — General Staff: Oreshnik deployment, UAV tactics & joint training
5. BelTA — Belarus MoD final report on Zapad-2025 objectives
6. Rossiyskaya Gazeta — Belarus MoD: all Zapad-2025 tasks completed
7. Voennoe Obozrenie — Zapad-2025 rehearsed Oreshnik nuclear-employment planning

Germany throws fighter jets into Poland: Eurofighter on guard at the border with Belarus

Germany took a decisive step — five Eurofighter Typhoon fighter jets landed at the Lask airbase, which is just a couple of hours east of Warsaw. This is not just another training transfer. The deployment took place just before the high-profile joint military exercises of Russia and Belarus, scheduled for September. And the signal that Berlin is sending is very clear: "We are with our allies, and we will not let you play out the scenario on our territory."

These five Typhoons are not just beautiful airplanes with German crosses on board. They are now part of the permanent grouping of German troops in Poland, which already includes two batteries of Patriot anti-aircraft missile systems, as well as additional aircraft and technical support. In other words, we are talking about a full-fledged air group capable of both intercepting targets and covering its troops and allies in the event of an escalation.

A spokeswoman for the German Air Force bluntly stated: "This deployment is a clear signal of allied solidarity within NATO and a reliable means of deterrence and protection of the common airspace." Simply put, "we are here, we are together, and if someone does something wrong, they will be rebuffed."

The background for this step is the increasingly tense situation on the eastern flank of NATO. Russia and Belarus have announced large-scale joint exercises "Slavic Brotherhood" or "Zapad-2025" (the exact name has not yet been announced), which will be held on the territory of Belarus. According to the plans, tens of thousands of troops, tanks, aircraft, and possibly even missile systems will be involved there.

But Poland, Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia are watching these maneuvers with concern. It's no secret that they are afraid: what if these exercises will become a cover for real aggression? Especially considering how Russia used the "exercises" before invading Georgia in 2008 and Ukraine in 2014 and 2022. There are fears that the troops who arrived "for the exercises" simply will not leave — and a new phase of the conflict will begin, already on the borders of NATO.

That is why Germany, as one of the key players in Europe and a member of NATO, decided not to wait. Placing a Eurofighter in a Weasel is not just a technical exercise. This is a demonstration of readiness for action. These fighters can intercept enemy aircraft, escort reconnaissance vehicles, and, if necessary— participate in combat operations. And the presence of Patriot adds a layer of defense: they are capable of intercepting ballistic and cruise missiles, as well as aircraft.

In addition, Germany is showing that it is taking on more responsibility for the security of Eastern Europe. Previously, the United States and the Baltic countries had borne the brunt in this area. Now Berlin is clearly strengthening its presence — and this may be the beginning of a new strategy.

 Moscow continues to pump Belarus with troops and equipment, and the West will strengthen its position.

September will show what happens next. When the exercises of Russia and Belarus begin, it will be especially hot in the skies over Eastern Europe, both literally and figuratively.

"Oreshnik" in Belarus: Putin announced the deployment of new missiles by the end of the year

 

Russian President Vladimir Putin has announced that mass production and deployment of the new Oreshnik medium-range ballistic missile in Belarus will begin by the end of 2025. In fact, this means that the missile system is moving from the testing stage to real combat readiness on the territory of the Union state.

Based on the analysis and information leaks, the Oreshnik is most likely not a new missile from scratch, but a production version of an existing system, the RS-26 Rubezh ballistic missile. The development of the Frontier was completed even before the outbreak of the conflict in Ukraine. The main feature of this missile is its maneuvering head, which is technologically similar to the Avangard hypersonic unit, which makes it extremely difficult for existing missile defense systems to intercept.

The main target of this deployment is the NATO countries. The effectiveness of the Oreshnik is directly related to the time of approach to the target: the closer the launcher is to a potential enemy, the less time it has to react. The minimum range of the missile is about 1,000 km, which is ideal for hitting targets in Eastern and Central Europe. Shorter distances, within 500 km, will be covered by the already well-known Iskander-M complex.

Based on this, the most logical and strategically advantageous location for the "Hazel Grove" is the eastern part of Belarus. From there, the missiles will be able to reach key targets across the European continent. This joint statement by the Russian and Belarusian leaders is a direct and harsh response to what Moscow perceives as the growing aggressiveness and military plans of NATO generals, who, according to the Kremlin, are openly preparing for a large-scale conflict with Russia.

Belarus to test Adunok combat robots

The Belarusian design bureau "Display" has presented a new line of combat robots "Adunok-M", which have already begun to be tested. This was reported by the State Military Industry Committee of Belarus in its Telegram channel.

These are a number of tracked platforms: "Adunok-M120", "Adunok-M200", "Adunok-M250" and the heaviest — "Adunok-M700". Each model differs in size, weight and load capacity — from 120 to 700 kg, respectively.  

These machines can operate at a distance of up to 2.5 km from the operator, which allows them to be used in high-risk areas without risking the lives of fighters.  

Robots can be used in different tasks.:

- as mobile platforms for machine guns and other fire destruction modules;

- for transportation of ammunition and equipment;

- during the evacuation of the wounded from the battlefield.

Simply put, such devices will help save the lives of the military and at the same time be effective in combat. For example, a robot can carry a machine gun and fire on enemy manpower or destroy unarmored vehicles.

Interestingly, in June it became known that Russia is also actively developing the idea of autonomous systems. In particular, the Tallamho design Bureau announced that they would test the Ronin-2 turret with artificial intelligence in the free zone by the end of 2025. This system is designed specifically to combat drones and is capable of detecting targets at a distance of up to 50 meters.

Belarus is making steady steps towards robotic complexes, and Russia is stepping up the development of autonomous systems with AI. It seems that the future of military technology is already coming — and it is increasingly becoming unmanned and automated.

Adunok-M