Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that Russian President Putin plans to deploy Russian forces within Belarus in 2025, possibly linked to the scheduled West-2025 joint Russian-Belarusian military drills. Zelenskyy warned this deployment might serve as intimidation against Poland, Lithuania, and other Baltic partners, and could be a precursor to provocations to drag these countries into conflict. Belarusian military officials confirmed that joint strategic drills are planned for September 2025. This development follows recent activity including increased Belarusian military deployments near borders and drone incursions, indicating Belarus' increasing involvement in the ongoing regional conflict.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that Russian President Putin plans to deploy Russian forces within Belarus in 2025, possibly linked to the scheduled West-2025 joint Russian-Belarusian military drills. Zelenskyy warned this deployment might serve as intimidation against Poland, Lithuania, and other Baltic partners, and could be a precursor to provocations to drag these countries into conflict. Belarusian military officials confirmed that joint strategic drills are planned for September 2025. This development follows recent activity including increased Belarusian military deployments near borders and drone incursions, indicating Belarus' increasing involvement in the ongoing regional conflict.