In a large field 45 miles (72km) from Belarus' capital Minsk, a battle is raging.
There are giant explosions as Sukhoi-34 bombers drop guided bombs. Huge plumes of smoke darken the sky.
The whole area echoes to the sound of exploding mortar and artillery shells. Helicopter gunships join the attack, while surveillance drones sweep overhead to view the damage.
It's only an exercise, though, as Belarus and Russia engage in joint maneuvers dubbed 'West 2025.' These drills, part of a series that occur every four years, are occurring at a time of significant strain in relations between Russia, Belarus, and Europe.
While officials from both nations assert the drills aim to bolster security against external threats, the recent history of military actions from Belarusian territory towards Ukraine adds a layer of skepticism regarding their true intentions.
With representatives from 23 countries observing, including the US, Turkey, and Hungary, the Belarusian government insists on transparency, yet neighboring countries like Poland are not convinced, labeling the drills as aggressive.
The military exercises occur during a period of heightened tension, with incidents such as Russian drones breaching airspace in Poland and Romania, stirring apprehension about broader conflicts inciting regional instability.
As Russia’s military presence continues and relations with Europe remain fraught, the message from these drills seems clear: the West should consider the firepower positioned at its doorsteps before provoking further confrontation.
