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MINSK, BELARUS (SEPT. 15, 2025) (MINISTRY OF DEFENSE OF THE REPUBLIC OF BELARUS – RESTRICTED)

1. BELARUSIAN DEFENSE MINISTER VIKTOR KHRENIN TALKING WITH US DELEGATION MINSK, BELARUS - SEPT. 15, 2025: The Belarusian Defense Ministry on Monday, welcomed international observers, including a delegation from the United States, to the ongoing “Zapad-2025” military exercises.

Belarusian Defense Minister Viktor Khrenin met with the U.S. military attaché, who reportedly expressed gratitude for the opportunity to observe the joint drills.

According to the ministry, representatives from 23 countries — including NATO members such as the United States, Türkiye, and Hungary — were in attendance.

Officials said that foreign observers were granted access to various phases of the exercises at a designated military training ground.

Russia and Belarus began their joint strategic military exercise Zapad-2025 (West-2025) on Friday with an aim to improve the skills of commanders, strengthen coordination and enhance field training of regional and coalition troop groups to maintain peace, protect interests and ensure military security.

The Defense Ministries of Russia and Belarus said some 13,000 personnel were expected to take part in the exercises, which would include repelling airstrikes, countering sabotage groups, planning the use of nuclear weapons, and operating Russia’s new Oreshnik medium-range ballistic missile system.