Poland Closes Border as Russia and Belarus Launch Zapad-2025

Poland has announced the closure of its border with Belarus in response to joint military exercises, Zapad-2025, set to commence on September 12, 2025. This decision follows a series of incursions by Russian drones into Polish airspace, raising security concerns among NATO’s eastern bloc nations. Earlier this week, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk described the upcoming drills as “very aggressive,” prompting the government to take measures to safeguard national security.

The situation escalated on Wednesday when 19 Russian drones crossed into Poland, reportedly using Belarusian airspace. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirmed that at least two of these drones originated from Belarus. In a statement, Zelenskyy highlighted that “at least several dozen Russian drones were moving along the border of Ukraine and Belarus.” Ukraine’s air defense systems successfully intercepted over 380 drones, including more than 250 Shahed models, during the day.

Russia has attempted to downplay the incident, with its Defence Ministry asserting that there were no plans to target Polish territory. They reiterated that the maximum operational range of the drones used in their attacks on Ukraine does not exceed 700 kilometers. Furthermore, Russian officials have indicated a willingness to engage in discussions with Poland regarding the situation.

In contrast, Belarusian officials have claimed that the drone incursions were accidental, attributing the mishap to navigational issues. Pavel Muravyeika, Belarus’s Deputy Defence Minister, stated that the drones “lost their way” due to navigation system interference and claimed that some drones were shot down within Belarusian territory. He also noted that communication channels were utilized between Belarus, Poland, and Lithuania to address the occurrences.

Understanding Zapad-2025

Zapad, meaning “west” in Russian, is a series of military exercises conducted jointly by Russia and Belarus, typically held every four years. The drills are designed to enhance coordination and training between the Belarusian military and Russia’s Western Military District. Each exercise reportedly involves between 12,000 and 13,000 troops, although NATO has expressed skepticism regarding the accuracy of these figures and the true intentions behind the exercises.

Past iterations of Zapad have raised alarms due to their resemblance to real geopolitical tensions. For instance, the Zapad-2017 exercises featured fictitious nations that mirrored the Baltic states, while Zapad-2021 saw Russia maintaining a significant military presence in Belarus, which was subsequently utilized in the invasion of Ukraine. This context underscores the concerns surrounding the current exercises.

As part of its security measures, Poland will close its border with Belarus, including all railway crossings, starting midnight on September 11. Tusk emphasized the rationale behind this decision, citing the proximity of the exercises to Polish territory and the potential risks associated with them. Polish President Karol Nawrocki expressed distrust in Russian intentions, stating, “We do not trust Vladimir Putin’s good intentions.”

Military Developments in Belarus

In addition to the border closure, new military installations are reportedly under construction in Belarus, which may serve strategic purposes in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Reports indicate that construction began in June 2024 near Minsk, with the site expanding to over two square kilometers. Analysts suggest that this complex could house the new Oreshnik ballistic missile system.

A joint investigation by multiple news outlets revealed another potential military base on the outskirts of Gomel, located less than 40 kilometers from the Ukrainian border. Construction at this site began in late 2023, with significant infrastructure development underway. The facilities are believed to be capable of accommodating a brigade of approximately 3,000 personnel.

The developments surrounding Zapad-2025 and the accompanying military actions signify a tense atmosphere in Eastern Europe, prompting heightened vigilance among NATO members and raising concerns about regional stability.