Russia may strike Baltic states from Belarus, warns diplomat

This was stated by Roman Bezmertnyi, diplomat and Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Ambassador of Ukraine to the Republic of Belarus (2010–2011), during a broadcast on Espreso.

"A military grouping is being formed in the Belarusian direction with the planning of a Russian strike on the Baltic countries. This will not be a strike on Ukraine. The Russians clearly understand that a strike on Ukraine now will bring Russia no effect," Bezmertnyi noted.

The diplomat is convinced that the threat from the Russian Federation is being prepared against the Baltic countries.

"The 'temperature' is rising there. This is further evidence that this direction will be relevant for Russia. And it is extremely important for strengthening the power of NATO, European countries, and the EU," Bezmertnyi emphasized.

What is known about Zapad-2025 military drills

On October 23, 2024, the Belarusian Ministry of Defense announced joint exercises with the Russian Federation called Zapad-2025. They are scheduled for mid-September 2025.

Lithuanian Minister of Foreign Affairs Kęstutis Budrys stated that NATO is ready to respond to the joint Russian-Belarusian exercises.

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that the Russians are “preparing something” in Belarus this summer under the guise of military exercises.

It was later reported that during the joint Zapad-2025 exercises, Russian and Belarusian forces plan to rehearse strikes with tactical nuclear weapons and the Oreshnik system.

On May 28, Belarusian Defense Minister Viktor Khrenin stated that Belarus would move the main maneuvers of the planned joint military exercises Zapad-2025 deeper into the country, allegedly to reduce tensions.