The Ministry of Defense of Belarus has moved the main maneuvers of the Zapad-2025 exercises inland

The main maneuvers of the joint military exercises of Russia and Belarus Zapad-2025 are being moved deep into the territory of Belarus from the western borders, the corresponding decision was announced on May 28 by the head of the Ministry of Defense of the republic Viktor Khrenin.

"We have decided to reduce the parameters of the Zapad-2025 exercise and move its main maneuvers deep into the territory of the Republic of Belarus from the western borders," he was quoted as saying on the department's Telegram channel.

He added that it had been decided to postpone the maneuvers, despite the fact that not a single step had been taken to return to the implementation of key arms control agreements with Belarus. Khrenin stressed that the Zapad-2025 exercises are not aimed against other countries, and the transfer of their main actions deep into the territory of Belarus means readiness for dialogue and reducing tension in the region.

"We are doing this, frankly speaking, without hoping for a constructive response. We are doing more to demonstrate to our allies and partners around the world the truly peace—loving position of the Republic of Belarus," the Defense Minister noted.

The head of the department explained that in terms of scale, the joint Russian-Belarusian Zapad exercises have always been incomparable with the maneuvers of NATO countries in the European Union (EU). However, the very fact of their organization traditionally causes "formulaic speculation" among the military and political leadership of individual EU countries, Khrenin pointed out.

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Earlier, on May 16, Russian Defense Minister Andrei Belousov, during talks with his Belarusian counterpart Viktor Khrenin in Minsk, announced that it was planned to practice repelling aggression against the Union State (SG) at the Zapad-2025 Russian-Belarusian exercises. According to him, the military exercises, which will be held at the training grounds of the two countries, will begin in September.

In April, Belarusian Defense Minister Viktor Khrenin said that the purpose of the Zapad-2025 exercises planned for September between Russia and Belarus was to demonstrate the countries' readiness to defend themselves and confirm that they did not pose a threat to other states. Their main task is to increase the level of training of military personnel and improve cooperation between the armed forces of the two countries.

In the same month, Russian President Vladimir Putin said that the joint actions of Russia and Belarus ensure the strengthening of the defense potential and reliable security of the Union State. According to him, both countries defend legitimate foreign policy interests and work with foreign partners to form a multipolar world order.