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Miami Herald
2 days ago
- Business
- Miami Herald
Zelensky Issues Warning to Europe Over Russia's Belarus ‘Planning'
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has warned about the threat posed by Belarus, whose autocratic leader, Alexander Lukashenko, is Russian President Vladimir Putin's closest ally. "Ask your intelligence what Russia is planning this summer in Belarus," Zelensky told reporters in Vilnius, Lithuania, on Monday. His comment follows the ruling regime in Minsk announcing that joint Zapad-2025 strategic military exercises with Russia will be held further inland in Belarus. Franak Viačorka, chief political adviser to Sviatlana Tsihanouskaya, who leads the Belarusian opposition to Lukashenko's authoritarian rule, told Newsweek on Tuesday that the drills include "hostile scenarios" against the West. Newsweek has contacted the Russian and Belarusian foreign ministries for comment. Lukashenko has not directly joined Putin in the war against Ukraine but, as the Russian leader's closest ally, has permitted Moscow's forces to use Belarusian territory for attacks since 2022. Zelensky's warning will add to concerns that Putin's control of Lukashenko could see Belarus again used as a staging post for attacks on Ukraine, which would increase the risk to NATO's eastern border. Zelensky called on allies to seek intelligence on Minsk's plans during the Zapad joint military exercises scheduled for September. He said Monday that if Russia and Belarus are "bold enough to prepare attacks from there, then we need more strength together." Zelensky previously warned that Russian troop training in Belarus could mark "the beginning of a full-scale invasion, similar to the one we saw in 2022," posing risks to Ukraine and neighboring NATO states. Held every two years since 2009, no Zapad exercise took place in 2023. Belarusian Defense Minister Viktor Khrenin announced that September's exercises would be relocated further inland within Belarus to "reduce tensions." But the drills are seen by analysts and Ukrainian officials as potential cover for Russian troop deployments. Viačorka took part in Zapad drills as part of mandatory service a decade and a half ago in Lukashenko's army as punishment for his opposition political activities. He told Newsweek that the drills consisted of anti-Western and pro-Russian military training, including scenarios such as dropping a nuclear bomb over Warsaw. "These are hostile scenarios. They do it primarily to threaten. It's a part of psychological informational warfare," he said on Tuesday, adding that they pose a threat to Poland and Lithuania, as well as Ukraine. In 2023, Ukraine's foreign ministry raised the alarm over a build-up of Belarusian and Russian troops near Gomel, close to Ukraine's border. Since then, there have been other warnings from Ukraine's foreign ministry about the threat Belarus poses, such as in August 2024 that any border violation would prompt a self-defense response from Ukraine in line with the U.N. Charter. Putin and Lukashenko's alliance has deepened during the war. Analysts say Belarus is becoming Russia's "militarized satellite." The Institute for the Study of War said in December 2024 that the Kremlin is "advancing toward a de facto annexation of Belarus" with a defense pact and integration of military and economic systems. For Moscow, Belarus strengthens its position on NATO's eastern flank, with implications for U.S. and European security. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky: "Ask your intelligence what Russia is planning this summer in Belarus. If they are bold enough to prepare attacks from there, then we need more strength together." Belarusian opposition politician Franak Viačorka told Newsweek: [Zapad will include] "tests of nuclear facilities, tests of possible escalation. This is a reminder to all Western politicians who still believe they can appease Lukashenko or Putin—it's impossible—you cannot change these guys." The Ukrainian Foreign Affairs Ministry in August 2024: "Any violation of Ukraine's border by the regime in Minsk would provoke a self-defense response 'guaranteed by the U.N. Charter.'" The Institute for the Study of War in January 2025: [The Kremlin is] "advancing toward a de facto annexation of Belarus," presenting new threats to the West. NATO allies are increasing intelligence sharing ahead of Zapad 2025. Tarassis 25—a Joint Expeditionary Force Northern European exercise that will be the largest since the multinational force was established, will be held at the same time. Related Articles Satellite Photos Show Russia's Extremely Rare A-50 Radar Plane HitCrimea Bridge Hit by ExplosionAre the Russia-Ukraine Peace Talks Going Anywhere? | OpinionRussia Hits Sumy Civilians With New MLRS Strike: 'Absolutely Deliberate' 2025 NEWSWEEK DIGITAL LLC.
Newsweek
2 days ago
- General
- Newsweek
Zelensky Issues Warning to Europe Over Russia's Belarus 'Planning'
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has warned about the threat posed by Belarus, whose autocratic leader, Alexander Lukashenko, is Russian President Vladimir Putin's closest ally. "Ask your intelligence what Russia is planning this summer in Belarus," Zelensky told reporters in Vilnius, Lithuania, on Monday. His comment follows the ruling regime in Minsk announcing that joint Zapad-2025 strategic military exercises with Russia will be held further inland in Belarus. Franak Viačorka, chief political adviser to Sviatlana Tsihanouskaya, who leads the Belarusian opposition to Lukashenko's authoritarian rule, told Newsweek on Tuesday that the drills include "hostile scenarios" against the West. Newsweek has contacted the Russian and Belarusian foreign ministries for comment. Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko (left) and Russian President Vladimir Putin on April 29, 2025, in Volgograd, Russia. Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko (left) and Russian President Vladimir Putin on April 29, 2025, in Volgograd, Russia. Getty Images Why It Matters Lukashenko has not directly joined Putin in the war against Ukraine but, as the Russian leader's closest ally, has permitted Moscow's forces to use Belarusian territory for attacks since 2022. Zelensky's warning will add to concerns that Putin's control of Lukashenko could see Belarus again used as a staging post for attacks on Ukraine, which would increase the risk to NATO's eastern border. What To Know Zelensky called on allies to seek intelligence on Minsk's plans during the Zapad joint military exercises scheduled for September. He said Monday that if Russia and Belarus are "bold enough to prepare attacks from there, then we need more strength together." Zelensky previously warned that Russian troop training in Belarus could mark "the beginning of a full-scale invasion, similar to the one we saw in 2022," posing risks to Ukraine and neighboring NATO states. Held every two years since 2009, no Zapad exercise took place in 2023. Belarusian Defense Minister Viktor Khrenin announced that September's exercises would be relocated further inland within Belarus to "reduce tensions." But the drills are seen by analysts and Ukrainian officials as potential cover for Russian troop deployments. Viačorka took part in Zapad drills as part of mandatory service a decade and a half ago in Lukashenko's army as punishment for his opposition political activities. He told Newsweek that the drills consisted of anti-Western and pro-Russian military training, including scenarios such as dropping a nuclear bomb over Warsaw. "These are hostile scenarios. They do it primarily to threaten. It's a part of psychological informational warfare," he said on Tuesday, adding that they pose a threat to Poland and Lithuania, as well as Ukraine. In 2023, Ukraine's foreign ministry raised the alarm over a build-up of Belarusian and Russian troops near Gomel, close to Ukraine's border. Since then, there have been other warnings from Ukraine's foreign ministry about the threat Belarus poses, such as in August 2024 that any border violation would prompt a self-defense response from Ukraine in line with the U.N. Charter. Putin and Lukashenko's alliance has deepened during the war. Analysts say Belarus is becoming Russia's "militarized satellite." The Institute for the Study of War said in December 2024 that the Kremlin is "advancing toward a de facto annexation of Belarus" with a defense pact and integration of military and economic systems. For Moscow, Belarus strengthens its position on NATO's eastern flank, with implications for U.S. and European security. What People Are Saying Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky: "Ask your intelligence what Russia is planning this summer in Belarus. If they are bold enough to prepare attacks from there, then we need more strength together." Belarusian opposition politician Franak Viačorka told Newsweek: [Zapad will include] "tests of nuclear facilities, tests of possible escalation. This is a reminder to all Western politicians who still believe they can appease Lukashenko or Putin—it's impossible—you cannot change these guys." The Ukrainian Foreign Affairs Ministry in August 2024: "Any violation of Ukraine's border by the regime in Minsk would provoke a self-defense response 'guaranteed by the U.N. Charter.'" The Institute for the Study of War in January 2025: [The Kremlin is] "advancing toward a de facto annexation of Belarus," presenting new threats to the West. What Happens Next NATO allies are increasing intelligence sharing ahead of Zapad 2025. Tarassis 25—a Joint Expeditionary Force Northern European exercise that will be the largest since the multinational force was established, will be held at the same time.
The Hindu
28-05-2025
- Politics
- The Hindu
Belarus scales back planned military drills with Russia
Belarus will scale back military drills with Russia planned for September, cutting the number of soldiers taking part and moving them away from the western border, Minsk said Wednesday. Belarus is a key Russian ally and allowed its territory to be used as a staging post for Moscow's 2022 invasion of Ukraine. Kyiv, as well as Poland and the Baltic states, have repeatedly expressed alarm about possible military build-ups in the country. Also Read | 'Only really bad thing — WWIII', says Russia's ex-President Medvedev as U.S., Russia clash over Ukraine "We have decided to reduce the parameters of the 'Zapad-2025' exercise and to move its main manoeuvres deep into the territory of the Republic of Belarus, away from the western borders," Defence Minister Viktor Khrenin said in a statement posted Wednesday on the Ministry's Telegram channel. "The number of troops participating in the drills will be cut almost by half," General Valery Revenko, the head of the ministry's department for international cooperation said at a security forum in the Kyrgyz capital Bishkek. Russian state media reported around 13,000 soldiers were originally set to take part in the drills. Defence minister Khrenin said the move was "to demonstrate to our allies and partners around the world the truly peace-loving position of the Republic of Belarus." The Zapad military drills usually involve tens of thousands of troops in a show of force close to Belarus's western border with EU and NATO members. Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky last month warned Russia was "preparing something" in Belarus "using military drills as cover. "That's usually how they start a new attack," he said. Around 200,000 troops participated in the 2021 edition of Zapad, staged just months before Moscow invaded Ukraine.
Yahoo
28-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Belarus to scale down Zapad military drills to 'reduce tensions,' Minsk claims
Belarus will reduce the parameters of the upcoming Zapad-2025 military drills and move maneuvers further inland from the western border to reduce tensions in the region, Belarusian Defense Minister Viktor Khrenin claimed on May 28. Zapad drills are large-scale joint military exercises regularly held by Russian and Belarusian forces. Minsk confirmed earlier this year that the 2025 drills will take place in mid-September, involving 13,000 soldiers. "We have made a decision to reduce the parameters of the Joint Strategic Exercise 'Zapad-2025' and move its main maneuvers deep into the territory of the Republic of Belarus from the western borders," Khrenin said, according to the Belarusian Defense Ministry's Telegram channel. Khrenin made the announcement during a meeting of Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) ministers in Bishkek. The exercises have raised alarm in Kyiv and NATO, as they will take place amid Russia's ongoing full-scale invasion of Ukraine and Moscow's increasingly aggressive posture toward Western allies. President Volodymyr Zelensky warned that Russia plans to deploy 15 divisions, totaling 100,000 to 150,000 troops, primarily in Belarus, possibly in preparation for a major military escalation. Responding to the Russian-Belarusian drills, Poland has announced it would hold simultaneous and proportional exercises involving NATO partners. Khrenin claimed that Zapad drills are "not aimed against anyone," stressing that Minsk's decision "indicates a readiness for dialogue and a reduction in tensions in the region." Belarusian dictator Alexander Lukashenko has been a key ally to Russia during its full-scale war against Ukraine. While not deploying its soldiers for combat, Belarus has provided its territory as a launching ground for Russian ground forces and missiles in 2022. Read also: Ukraine allegedly launches almost 300 drones at Russia; UAV facility near Moscow reportedly targeted We've been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
Time of India
28-05-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Belarus scales back planned military drills with Russia
AP image Belarus will scale back military drills with Russia planned for September, cutting the number of soldiers taking part and moving them away from the western border, Minsk said Wednesday. Belarus is a key Russian ally and allowed its territory to be used as a staging post for Moscow's 2022 invasion of Ukraine. Kyiv, as well as Poland and the Baltic states, have repeatedly expressed alarm about possible military build-ups in the country. "We have decided to reduce the parameters of the 'Zapad-2025' exercise and to move its main manoeuvres deep into the territory of the Republic of Belarus, away from the western borders," Defence Minister Viktor Khrenin said in a statement posted Wednesday on the ministry's Telegram channel. "The number of troops participating in the drills will be cut almost by half," General Valery Revenko, the head of the ministry's department for international cooperation said at a security forum in the Kyrgyz capital Bishkek. Russian state media reported around 13,000 soldiers were originally set to take part in the drills. Defence minister Khrenin said the move was "to demonstrate to our allies and partners around the world the truly peace-loving position of the Republic of Belarus." by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Giao dịch vàng CFDs với mức chênh lệch giá thấp nhất IC Markets Đăng ký Undo The Zapad military drills usually involve tens of thousands of troops in a show of force close to Belarus's western border with EU and NATO members. Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky last month warned Russia was "preparing something" in Belarus "using military drills as cover. "That's usually how they start a new attack," he said. Around 200,000 troops participated in the 2021 edition of Zapad, staged just months before Moscow invaded Ukraine.
