Zapad-2025: NATO on Edge as Russia–Belarus Drills Begin; India Joins, Issues Warning
Russia and Belarus are set to launch Zapad-2025, their largest joint military drills in years, just as NATO is bracing for heightened tensions after Russian drones, according to Poland and EU nations, violated Polish airspace.
The exercises, scheduled from September 12–16 in Belarus and western Russia, will focus on repelling airstrikes, combating sabotage groups, and using advanced missile systems--including Russia’s new Oreshnik ballistic missile.
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| Image Source: TallBarFin |
But NATO and Poland view them differently.
On September 9–10, Warsaw reported 19 airspace violations by drones entering from Belarus. Prime Minister Donald Tusk called the incident “a large-scale provocation” and confirmed that three drones were shot down with allied support.
NATO invoked Article 4 consultations, with Secretary-General Mark Rutte warning that the Alliance “will defend every centimeter of NATO territory, including airspace.”
Prosecutors in Poland said debris was found in at least 12 locations, including a residential building in Wyryki.
No explosives were detected on several fragments, but investigations continue. Poland temporarily closed part of its airspace, including over Warsaw Chopin Airport, and has announced the closure of border crossings with Belarus during Zapad-2025.
🇵🇱🇧🇾 Polish services are closing the border with Belarus tonight.
— Status-6 (Military & Conflict News) (@Archer83Able) September 11, 2025
According to Polish authorities, the main reason for this is the start of the joint Russia-Belarus "Zapad-2025" strategic exercise on the Belarusian side of the border.
Earlier on Thursday, the Russian Foreign… pic.twitter.com/gfhdAla001
Moscow, meanwhile, rejected allegations of provocation. The Russian Defense Ministry said its overnight strikes targeted Ukrainian military-industrial sites in Ivano-Frankovsk, Khmelnitsky, Zhitomir, Vinnitsia, and Lvov, adding that “no targets in Poland were planned” and that the UAVs’ maximum range is 700 km.
Both the Defense and Foreign Ministries offered to “consult with Poland on this matter.” Peskov dismissed EU and NATO accusations as “nothing new.”
20 drones into NATO skies brings Poland closest to war with russia since WW2
— Caolan (@CaolanReports) September 11, 2025
An axis has formed with North Korea, China & Russia. Meanwhile the west bickers about aid & sanctions.
Appeasement doesn’t work. Tyranny is defeated by strength. Ukraine can win that fight for us all pic.twitter.com/N9YH1qlg8K
Amid this standoff, India has a dual role. On September 9, New Delhi confirmed the departure of a 65-member tri-service contingent to join the multilateral component of Zapad-2025 at Russia’s Mulino training ground.
The Indian Army’s Kumaon Regiment is leading the team, joined by Air Force and Navy personnel, in drills focused on joint planning, tactical maneuvers, and counter-terrorism operations.
Poland requested more air defense from NATO to help protect against Russia. France & UK are sending aircraft to help reinforce Poland. Combat helicopters are practicing defensive runs in Warsaw and other cities. Latvia has closed its airspace, and Estonia and Lithuania are… pic.twitter.com/nY932MGQhD
— Anonymous (@YourAnonCentral) September 11, 2025
At the same time, New Delhi is publicly warning citizens against being recruited into Russia’s war. On September 11, Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said:
“We have seen reports about Indian nationals having been recruited recently into the Russian army. We have cautioned Indian citizens accordingly and taken up the matter with Russian authorities. We once again strongly urge all Indian nationals to stay away from any offers to join the Russian army as this is a course fraught with danger.”
Last night, Poland’s airspace was breached 19 times by drones manufactured in Russia. Our assessment is that they did not veer off course but were deliberately targeted.
— Radosław Sikorski 🇵🇱🇪🇺 (@sikorskiradek) September 10, 2025
Poland, EU and NATO will not be intimidated and we will continue to stand by the brave people of Ukraine.… pic.twitter.com/prAEqrIUKX
With NATO activating defenses on its eastern flank, Poland sealing borders, Moscow pressing ahead with Zapad-2025, and India balancing participation with caution, the week marks a critical flashpoint where military maneuvers, alliances, and diplomacy collide across Europe and Asia.
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