Zapad-2025 joint strategic exercise

The Zapad-2025 joint strategic exercise is the final stage of joint training of the Armed Forces of Russia and Belarus in 2025. Its goal is to practice operations to repel potential aggression against the Union State. The exercise is being held on September 12 through 16 at 41 land and sea training grounds in both countries. Combat training tasks are carried out with consideration of the experience gained during the special military operation.

During his visit to the training grounds, the President of Russia also spoke briefly with representatives of foreign countries invited to observe the Zapad-2025 drill.

Vladimir Putin also inspected weapons and military and special equipment engaged in the exercise.

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President of Russia Vladimir Putin: Comrades,

Today we are holding the final stage of the Zapad-2025 strategic exercise.

The purpose of the exercise is to practice all the necessary elements for the absolute protection of sovereignty, territorial integrity and the security of the Union State against any aggression.

The event involves 41 training grounds, 100,000 service personnel, and about 10,000 pieces of weapons and military equipment, all of which is modern systems being used in practical combat. The exercise scenarios are based on real experience gained during the special military operation.

As I have mentioned, of the 10,000 units of equipment, 333 are aircraft of tactical, strategic, and military transport aviation. More than 247 vessels are also involved, including surface ships, submarines, and support vessels.

Twenty-five foreign delegations arrived for the Zapad-2025 exercise: 16 states sent their representatives, while six countries dispatched military contingents to take part in the strategic exercise programme.

I would like to ask the Minister of Defence to report on the readiness of the troops for the final stage of the exercise and, of course, wish all participants good luck.

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