Putin, Lukashenka Conduct Nuclear Zapad-2025 Exercises near NATO

Russian President Vladimir Putin and Belarusian leader Alexander Lukashenka are conducting the Zapad-2025 joint military exercises near NATO borders, focusing on war strategies including the simulated use of nuclear weapons and medium-range missiles, notably the planned deployment of Oreshnik missiles in Belarus. These drills involve maneuvers to defend the Kaliningrad region and the so-called Suwalki Corridor, which links Belarus and Kaliningrad, though these defensive operations are widely seen as rehearsals for offensive actions against NATO. As part of the exercises, Putin has deployed strategic Tu-22M3 nuclear bombers and launched missile strikes in the Arctic, signaling renewed military aggression amid heightened tensions. NATO is responding by fortifying its eastern defenses, with the UK and other allies participating in the 'Eastern Sentry' operation to counter drone threats and other challenges posed by Russian activities. Concurrently, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un announced a strategy for the parallel development of nuclear and conventional forces, highlighting ongoing global military escalations. These developments have raised alarms at the UN about the risk of a global conflict, with warnings of the world 'staring into the abyss of a Third World War.'