Russia expands West-2025 exercises: Zircon missiles and nuclear scenarios

According to glavcom.ua: The Russian military conducted training to counter a landing operation in the Kaliningrad region, where the Baltic Fleet's marine corps practiced countering a maritime landing. It is noted that the 'Berezok' missile-artillery system was used for coastal defense, which destroyed a simulated target imitating a drone boat. Also within the framework of the exercises, ships providing fire support and Mi-24 attack helicopters attacked the coast with artillery and air strikes. Russian Tu-22M3 bombers also patrolled the neutral waters of the Barents Sea.

The joint strategic military exercises 'West-2025' are planned to be conducted by Russia and Belarus from September 12 to 16, 2025. The exercises are expected to involve actions using nuclear weapons and 'Oreshnik' missiles. The head of the Main Intelligence Directorate of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine Kyrylo Budanov warned about increased informational tension starting from September 12 due to the beginning of the 'West-2025' military exercises in Belarus, as a result of which Poland decided to close its border with Belarus during the exercises.

A Ukrainian intelligence officer warned about the worsening situation with the start of military exercises in Belarus, which could lead to increased informational tension in the region and further escalation of tensions in Eastern Europe.