Zapad 2025 Exercise Highlights Strategic Ties
Exercises follow 2021 and 2022 drills amid Ukraine war tensions.
Aim to enhance command, cooperation, and training near Barysaw.
Small units near Poland and Lithuania borders.
Poland downed Russian drones; NATO defenses activated.
Warsaw closed civilian air traffic near Belarus and Ukraine until Dec 9.
Exercises show Russia-Belarus military ties and nuclear deterrence, raising Western concerns.