The Zapad-2025 military exercise, a joint venture between Russia and Belarus, saw the unexpected presence of two US soldiers. Belarus has framed this as a surprise, while the exercise itself is designed to showcase the military capabilities of Russia and Belarus, near the borders of NATO member states. The presence of the American personnel was in an observer capacity. The Belarusian Ministry of Defense released a video featuring the meeting between the US soldiers, including Lieutenant Colonel Brian Shoup, and the Belarusian Defense Minister. This year’s exercise involved troops from 23 nations, including NATO members Turkey and Hungary. This military exercise is taking place amid the ongoing tension between Poland and Russia.
