U.S. Officers Pay Surprise Visit to Belarus to Observe Russian-Belarusian Military Exercises

Reuters

A Belarusian Mi-35 attack helicopter flies during the joint Russia-Belarus "Zapad-2025" military dri

Two U.S. military officers attended joint Russian-Belarusian military exercises on Monday, in what Belarus described as a surprise visit during the ongoing “Zapad-2025” drills, according to a Reuters report.

Reuters also reported that Belarusian Defence Minister Viktor Khrenin personally welcomed the American officers at a training ground, telling them they were free to observe “whatever is of interest for you” and meet with personnel.

The Belarusian Ministry of Defence highlighted their presence in a statement, noting that representatives from 23 countries – including NATO members Türkiye and Hungary – were also present.

Russia and Belarus launched the Zapad-2025 manoeuvres on Friday across multiple training grounds in both countries, just days after Polish forces shot down Russian drones that had violated its airspace. The drills come at a time of heightened tension between Moscow and NATO.

Footage released by the Belarusian defence ministry showed the U.S. officers shaking hands with Khrenin and expressing thanks for the invitation, though they declined to speak to reporters.

The episode marks the latest sign of tentative rapprochement between Washington and Minsk, despite Belarus’s close alignment with Russia throughout the Ukraine war. Last week, John Coale, a representative of US President Donald Trump, held talks in Minsk with President Alexander Lukashenko. The Belarusian leader subsequently agreed to release 52 prisoners, including journalists and political opponents.

In exchange, Washington granted sanctions relief to the national carrier Belavia, allowing it to service and purchase components for its Boeing aircraft fleet. According to Coale, the Trump administration now aims to reopen the US embassy in Minsk, normalise diplomatic relations, and revive bilateral economic and trade ties.

Source: Reuters



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