In a large field 45 miles (72km) from Belarus' capital Minsk, a battle is raging. There are giant explosions as Sukhoi-34 bombers drop guided bombs. Huge plumes of smoke darken the sky. The whole area echoes to the sound of exploding mortar and artillery shells. Helicopter gunships join the attack, while surveillance drones sweep overhead to view the damage.
It's only an exercise, though. Together with other international media, we've been brought to the Borisovsky training ground where Belarusian and Russian forces are taking part in joint manoeuvres. This is part of the Zapad-2025 ('West 2025') military drills, which take place every four years.
Despite claims from Moscow and Minsk that the drills are of a purely defensive nature, neighboring nations remain skeptical. Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk labeled the exercises 'very aggressive' as Poland shut its border with Belarus in response.
The drills coincide with a period of heightened tension in the eastern European region. To the south, Russia shows no sign of ending its war on Ukraine, leading to increased military preparedness among NATO countries.
The invitation extended to international media for these exercises can be interpreted as an effort at transparency by Belarus. However, the overt shows of military might may serve as a warning to European nations regarding the potential for confrontation.
