Revenko, who is also the head of the Belarusian Department of Military Cooperation, told reporters that “the joint strategic exercise of the Armed Forces of the Republic of Belarus and the Russian Federation, Zapad-2025, will focus on using battlegroups to ensure the military security of the Union State.”

On July 23, Pavel Muraveiko, Chief of the General Staff of the Belarusian Armed Forces, affirmed that the maneuvers will include only defensive scenarios, aimed at protecting and ensuring the security of the Union State between Belarus and Russia.

Muraveiko also emphasized that since Minsk is constantly accused of aggressive intentions, it was decided to move the exercise areas within the country, away from the borders.

Russian Defense Minister Andrey Belousov emphasized in mid-May that these exercises will be strictly defensive and will not be directed against any third country.

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