Military exercises in Belarus ‘West-2025’: is there a threat to Ukraine and should tourists be concerned?

The Zapad 2025 military exercises will take place in Belarus in September and are already causing concern in Ukraine and Europe. Despite statements from moscow and Minsk about a ‘security check,’ the Ukrainian side warns of the risks of provocation. Find out what exactly the exercises could threaten, when their active phase will take place, and how Ukraine is responding to potential challenges

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Russian-Belarusian military exercises ‘Zapad-2025’ are planned for September 2025 in Belarus. Due to the fact that the manoeuvres will take place in a country neighbouring Ukraine, citizens may have questions: is this dangerous for Ukraine? After all, it was during military exercises in 2022 that russian troops crossed the Belarusian-Ukrainian border to attack Kyiv.

The State Border Service of Ukraine has explained what to be prepared for.

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What is the threat posed by russian-Belarusian military exercises?

First of all, the State Border Service of Ukraine notes that there is currently no build-up of enemy forces near the Ukrainian border. According to State Border Service spokesman Andriy Demchenko, the situation has not changed overall and appears to be stable.

At the same time, however, he stressed that the presence of russian troops in Belarus poses a threat and Ukraine cannot afford to relax.

‘Belarus continues to support russia, and, in fact, when it comes to the actions of a terrorist country, provocations cannot be ruled out, and it must be understood that information influence will be present during these exercises in order to escalate the situation,’ Demchenko said.

He added that one of the objectives of such actions could be an attempt to force Ukraine to shift its forces to the north, weakening other sections of the front.

Read also: Which Ukrainian cities are among the most dangerous cities in Europe?

When will the exercises take place?

The russian-Belarusian exercises ‘West-2025’ will take place in September. The active phase of the manoeuvres is scheduled for 12-16 September and will involve more than 13,000 military personnel.

According to the official version of Moscow and Minsk, the exercises are intended to test readiness to ‘ensure security’ and ‘repel possible aggression.’

At the same time, Ukraine warns of other risks. The head of the Main Intelligence Directorate of the Ministry of Defence, Kirill Budanov, said that from the first days, ‘West-2025’ will be accompanied by a large-scale information campaign, with most of the disinformation coming from russia.

It should be noted that concerns about military exercises in Belarus are not limited to Ukraine. For example, the German General Staff sees no signs of preparations for an attack under the guise of exercises, but at the same time assured: ‘We will be on guard - not only German troops, but also NATO.’

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The war continues in Ukraine, but tourism is open and can be safe

Despite the fact that the war has been going on for more than three and a half years, Ukraine remains open to foreign tourists, but you should carefully prepare for all kinds of risks when travelling to the country.

First of all, it is important to remember that Ukrainian territory continues to suffer from air attacks, so you should monitor the situation, respond to air raid sirens and follow the latest information from the authorities.

If you want to visit Ukraine, be sure to purchase insurance. The Visit Ukraine portal offers an insurance package that covers military risks.

Reminder! Ukraine plans to increase the penalties for illegal entry into military facilities. The Cabinet of Ministers has supported a bill that provides for fines of up to 51,000 hryvnia. Find out what penalties violators face and who will record such offences.

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