**Belarus Scales Back Military Drills to Ease Regional Tensions**
The Belarusian Defense Minister, Viktor Khrenin, made a significant announcement on May 28 that the country will reduce the scope of its upcoming Zapad-2025 military drills. The decision is aimed at easing tensions in the region, particularly with neighboring countries and NATO allies.
**A Change in Tactics**
For years, Belarus has held joint military exercises with Russia, known as Zapad drills. These large-scale maneuvers have raised alarm in Kyiv and among Western nations due to their proximity to Ukraine’s western border. In fact, President Volodymyr Zelensky had warned that Russia planned to deploy 15 divisions, totaling 100,000 to 150,000 troops, primarily in Belarus. This move was seen as a potential escalation of the ongoing conflict.
**Scaling Back**
Khrenin stated that the decision to reduce the parameters of Zapad-2025 and move its main maneuvers further inland from the western border is a gesture of goodwill towards neighboring countries. He claimed that the drills are “not aimed against anyone” and stress Minsk’s readiness for dialogue and reducing tensions in the region.
**A Response to Regional Concerns**
The announcement comes as Poland has announced plans to hold simultaneous and proportional exercises involving NATO partners, a move seen as a response to Russia’s increasing aggression. Belarus’ decision may be an attempt to ease concerns among its neighbors and maintain good relations with Western countries.
**A Shift in Belarussian-Russian Relations?**
While the decision to scale back Zapad drills may seem like a concession, it could also be a strategic move by Belarus to reposition itself on the regional stage. As a close ally of Russia during the conflict in Ukraine, Belarus’ involvement in joint military exercises had raised eyebrows among NATO nations.
**What Does This Mean?**
The implications of this decision are significant. By reducing the scope of Zapad drills, Belarus may be attempting to distance itself from Russia’s aggressive posture towards Western allies. However, it remains to be seen whether this move will lead to a genuine reduction in tensions or simply a tactical maneuver by Minsk.
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