Russia has launched cruise missiles as part of its Zapad 2025 war games, a large-scale set of joint exercises with Belarus that have drawn sharp attention from NATO and neighbouring states.
The manoeuvres, which Moscow insists are purely defensive, showcase advanced weaponry and underline the deepening military partnership between the two allies.
According to the Russian Ministry of Defence, the cruise missiles were fired from naval vessels and ground-based systems at mock targets designed to simulate an enemy force.
Officials described the launches as successful, demonstrating precision strike capability and integration across different branches of the armed forces.
The Zapad 2025 war games are being conducted across multiple regions, including Belarusian territory and areas near the borders of NATO member states.
The Zapad series has historically been used by Russia to project strength. This year’s iteration is no different, with the firing of cruise missiles positioned as a highlight.
The war games involve tens of thousands of troops, air defence units, armoured vehicles, and electronic warfare teams, presenting a full spectrum of combat readiness.
Moscow insists that the Zapad 2025 operations are defensive, intended to prepare for scenarios in which Russia and Belarus face external threats.
Yet analysts argue that the emphasis on long-range weapons such as cruise missiles sends a pointed signal to NATO, particularly given the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
Belarusian participation in the war games also underscores the country’s role as a close ally. President Alexander Lukashenko has framed the exercises as proof of shared security interests, saying Belarus is committed to regional stability while supporting Russia’s deterrence strategy.
The inclusion of cruise missile launches has unsettled neighbouring countries. Poland, Lithuania, and Latvia have all expressed alarm, warning that the Zapad 2025 war games could mask preparations for real military action.
NATO officials said they were monitoring the situation closely and urged transparency from Moscow.
Western experts argue that the war games have become less about routine training and more about signalling. “By launching cruise missiles during Zapad 2025, Russia is demonstrating that it retains the capability to strike far beyond its borders,” said a European defence analyst. “This is as much about perception as it is about readiness.”
For Belarus, the joint war games provide an opportunity to integrate further with Russian forces. The drills involve mixed battalions, shared command structures, and joint planning — developments that some Western officials interpret as steps toward Belarus losing independent control over its armed forces.
Critics argue that Minsk has become increasingly dependent on Moscow for political and economic survival, and its participation in the Zapad 2025 war games reflects this dependency. The concern in Western capitals is that Belarus could serve as a forward base in any wider confrontation between Russia and NATO.
Zapad exercises have a long history of fuelling East-West tension. The 2017 and 2021 iterations already drew significant criticism for their scale and proximity to NATO borders. Zapad 2025 is notable not only for its size but also for the explicit use of cruise missiles, which have dual-use potential and can carry nuclear warheads.
Military historians note that war games during the Cold War often blurred the line between exercises and preparation for real conflict. While Russia maintains that Zapad 2025 is defensive, the presence of strategic weapons in the exercise inevitably revives these anxieties.
The United States and European allies have urged Russia to open the exercises to international observers, a step they say would help reduce the risk of miscalculation. Moscow has rejected such demands, insisting that Zapad 2025 fully comply with international agreements.
Ukraine has been particularly vocal in its criticism, arguing that Russia is using the military drills as a rehearsal for expanded aggression. Ukrainian officials said the firing of cruise missiles close to their borders serves as a stark warning of Moscow’s intentions.
Inside Russia, the exercises are presented in glowing terms. State media highlight the successful launches and portray the drills as evidence that the country remains resilient under Western sanctions. Commentators argue that the drills show Russia’s ability to defend itself against what they describe as NATO’s encirclement.
Opposition figures, however, question the value of such costly displays. With inflation, shortages, and economic hardship affecting ordinary Russians, critics say the billions spent on drills could have been directed toward social needs.
The Zapad 2025 exercises are expected to continue over several weeks, with further live-fire demonstrations and combined manoeuvres planned.
Analysts believe that the use of cruise missiles will remain the most controversial aspect, keeping international attention focused on the drills.
For NATO, the war games underline the necessity of maintaining readiness along its eastern flank. For Russia and Belarus, they serve as a political statement of unity and capability in the face of external pressures.
In the end, the Zapad 2025 highlight the enduring role of military spectacle in global geopolitics.
The decision to fire cruise missiles reflects both military preparedness and strategic messaging, ensuring that Moscow’s display of force will not go unnoticed.
