Warsaw, September 13, 2025 — Poland has sent roughly 40,000 soldiers to its eastern border in response to the start of Zapad-2025, a joint military exercise by Russia and Belarus. The maneuvers, conducted near NATO territory, have prompted the government in Warsaw to implement strict security measures.
Border Checkpoints Suspended
Authorities announced that several road and railway crossings with Belarus will be closed starting at midnight. Officials said the closures are intended to safeguard the country during the drills, which they describe as a deliberate demonstration of military power by Moscow and Minsk.
Goals of the Exercises
Belarusian and Russian defense ministries maintain that the drills are defensive, including training to repel attacks and restore control over territory. NATO officials, however, interpret the Zapad-2025 exercises as a show of force aimed at the alliance’s eastern frontier.
Drone Activity Heightens Alert
The troop deployment follows reports of drones crossing into Polish airspace earlier this week. Warsaw linked these incidents to the ongoing exercises and increased domestic military training to ensure preparedness for possible provocations.
Regional Implications
Polish authorities emphasize that the troop movement is defensive, while Belarus denies that the drills target neighboring countries. NATO allies are monitoring developments closely, viewing the exercises as a potential source of tension along the alliance’s eastern border.
Outlook
With troops positioned along the frontier and crossings closed, the situation remains tense. The continuation of Zapad-2025 in the coming weeks is expected to be a key factor in shaping security conditions in Eastern Europe.
