Russia and Belarus start dangerous maneuvers near NATO!

Russia and Belarus start dangerous maneuvers near NATO!

Russia and Belarus started on Friday, September 11, 2025, with the strategic maneuver Sapad 2025. This military exercise is carried out by September 16 and takes place on the border with Poland and Ukraine. The SAPAD maneuvers, which take place every four years, usually attract the attention of Western military, since earlier exercises were often used as an excuse for larger military operations. Experts were concerned about the intentions of Moscow and Minsks, especially after the warning, which was already expressed in May when some exercise parts were to be painted and moved inland. Klemens Fischer from the University of Cologne described the exercise as against the northeast flank of NATO.

An important factor that heats up the situation is the penetration of Russian drones to Poland on September 10th. This meant that Poland locked his border to Belarus and parts of his airspace during the exercise. In view of these developments, Poland activated Article 4 of the NATO contract, which triggers a consultation among the member states. Alexander Wolfowitsch, State Secretary of the Belarusian Security Council, assured that the exercise should not be perceived as a threat. Military experts, on the other hand, rated them as a clear demonstration of power.

International reactions and NATO measures

NATO has already taken measures to react to possible threats from the Russian-Belarusian exercise. This includes relocating a fast command force to Romania and the stationing of combat troops in eight member states. Germany actively participates by sending a fight brigade to Lithuania. In addition, NATO took over air defense for the Baltic states.

The use of new, nuclear -capable medium -range missiles such as the Oreschnik, for which the Belarusian military under the direction of Defense Minister Viktor Chrenin trains appears particularly alarming. This was discussed in the context of militarization along the NATO-East flank and the increasing restless environment in Eastern and Central Europe.

Additional military pressure and exercises

In addition to SAPAD 2025, the NATO exercise Tarassis 25 takes place in Poland, which is carried out as part of the Joint Expeditionary Force. Meanwhile, Lithuanian troops carry out exercises for national defense, called Thunder Strike. These simultaneous exercises illustrate the endeavors of NATO countries to strengthen their reaction and cooperation in the face of potential threats.

The situation on the northeastern border of NATO, especially in the Suwałki gap, is considered serious by historians such as Sönke Neitzel. He notes that this summer could possibly be the “last summer in peace” for Germany. The past experiences, especially with the attack on Ukraine in 2022, make many observers cautiously.

The debates about Sapad 2025 will also be discussed at the upcoming NATO summit, with both NATO General Secretary Jens Stoltenberg and other high-ranking officials a clear answer to the growing military activities of Russia and Belarus.

Overall, the international community remains vigilant with developments in the context of SAPAD 2025 and the associated security policy implications.