Belarus Defense Minister, Lieutenant General Viktor Khrenin, stated on Wednesday (13) that the country is ready to begin the strategic exercise “West-2025,” scheduled to take place from September 12 to 16 in cooperation with Russia.
In an interview following a closed briefing to President Aleksandr Lukashenko, Khrenin confirmed that the operation will include planning for the use of nuclear weapons and the “Oreshnik” system, considered a key element of strategic deterrence.
According to the minister, the first stage of the exercise will focus on headquarters operations, with planning and troop command for defense against aggressions to the Union State. The second phase will simulate the liberation of occupied territories and stabilization of the situation.
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Khrenin emphasized that the training is not a sudden measure but part of a biennial cycle of joint exercises between Belarus and Russia. He reinforced that, although the country demonstrates openness and pacifism, “gunpowder must be kept dry” in the face of growing militarization on the western and northern borders.
The minister also criticized the reaction of NATO countries, stating that Poland, in particular, is using “West-2025” as a pretext to strengthen its military presence. According to Khrenin, Warsaw plans to concentrate between 30,000 and 34,000 troops, a contingent he described as “a serious formation” that will be closely monitored.
Source and images: Telegram @modmilby. This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team.
