Russia showcases nuclear military capabilities during Zapad drills

Russia and Belarus are conducting military exercises known as Zapad-2025 from September 12 to September 16, 2025. These drills are aimed at simulating the defense against enemy attacks and are particularly significant given the ongoing war in Ukraine. The military exercises involve evaluating the decision-making processes surrounding the use of Russian nuclear weapons and practicing with nuclear-capable intermediate-range missiles. This showcase is seen as an attempt by Russian President Vladimir Putin to demonstrate that the military remains robust despite suffering extensive losses during the prolonged conflict in Ukraine. Analysts suggest that the drills are intended not just for internal demonstration but also as a way to gauge NATO's reaction and readiness amidst heightened tensions along the alliance's eastern flank. The exercises have evoked concern from neighboring countries, particularly Ukraine and those bordering Belarus, as they recall previous instances where military exercises were a prelude to territorial incursions. Belarusian leadership and Russian officials have hinted that the drills will not involve actual deployment of nuclear weapons but will focus on planning and strategizing their potential use, further stressing the serious nature of these exercises in the current geopolitical climate. Observers are keenly monitoring developments, given the historical context and Russia's strategy of utilizing military exercises to implement coercive policies, highlighting a complex interplay of military readiness and political messaging in Eastern Europe.