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News: Russia and Belarus launched the joint military exercise Zapad-2025 near NATO borders, involving drills in Belarus, Russia, and the Baltic region.
About Belarus
- Location: Belarus is a landlocked Eastern European country.
- Bordering countries: It is bordered by Russia, Ukraine, Poland, Lithuania, and Latvia.
- Capital: Minsk.
- Languages: Belarusian (24%, official), Russian (70%, official).
- Ethnic Belarusians form three-fourths of the population.
- Relief: Predominantly flat lowlands with forest cover (~40%).
- The Białowieża Forest is a UNESCO World Heritage site.
- Rivers: Dnieper basin dominates; Mukhavyets drains into the Bug River.
- Climate: Cool continental with Atlantic influence.
- Independent since 1991, formerly part of the Soviet Union (Belorussia).
- Zapad-2025 Exercise: Launched on September 12, 2025, the Russia-Belarus joint military drills simulate repelling attacks and restoring territorial integrity, involving troops, naval deployments in the Baltic and Barents seas, and coalition forces.
- Geostrategic Role
- Belarus is a close Russian ally, forming the Union State with Moscow.
- Borders NATO States: Poland, Lithuania, and Latvia have tightened border controls amid tensions.
- Significance: Belarus serves as Russia’s western frontier, a buffer against NATO expansion, and a critical participant in regional security, energy transit, and military cooperation.
