In a large field of approximately 72 kilometers out of Minskthe picture is reminiscent of a real battle. SUKHOI-34 bombers They throw guided bombs, the explosions shock the area and clouds of tobacco rise to the sky. Battle helicopters reinforce the attack, while surveillance drones record the disaster.

However all this is part of common military exercises Russia -White in the Educational Center of Borisovoas part of the Gymnasiums’Zapad-2025“(” West 2025 “), held every four years. There are fewer troops this year than in 2022, when 200,000 troops participated. However, according to the BBC, it does not seem to seem like a demonstration of power in Europe.

Moscow and Minsk They argue that these are “defensive” exercises with the aim of enhancing security and preventing external threats. The exercise was attended by military followers of 23 countries, includingUS, Turkey and Hungary. ‘We believe that exercise is unprecedented in its transparency“, Told reporters the Lieutenant General Valerie Revenko, Assistant of Belarus of Defense Minister.

Concern in Europe and escalating tensions

Despite the assurances, the European capitals remain suspicious. Poland Prime Minister Donald Tuskdescribed the ‘Zapad-2025“Extremely aggressive, while Warsaw closed the border with Belarus before the start of the exercises, sparking a sharp reaction from Minsk.

Exercise is conducted in a period of increased intensity in Eastern Europe, with Russia’s war in Ukraine to continue. In recent days, Poland and Romania have denounced violations of their airspace by Russian drones, causing NATO to mobilize. In Europe there is widespread concern that these are intentional actions aimed at testing the unity of the West and the Alliance.

Minsk’s decision to call international media in the exercises can be interpreted as a transparency move. However, the message transmitted through explosions and fires is likely to be primarily addressed to Europe: ‘See our power – a confrontation with Moscow is not in your interest“