Ukraine answers whether Russian forces leave Belarus following massive military training
Photo: Russian military training in Belarus (Getty Images)
After the conclusion of Zapad-2025 military training, Russian troops fully returned to Russian territory. No provocations were recorded near the border with Ukraine, State Border Guard Service Spokesperson Andrii Demchenko reports.
According to Demchenko, Russian forces participating in the joint Zapad-2025 military exercises began forming columns to return to Russia following the active phase from September 12 to 16. As of now, all troops have completely left Belarus.
The Spokesperson also noted that no activity was recorded near the Ukrainian border during or after the exercises, emphasizing that “all actions and locations of the exercises took place deep within Belarusian territory.”
“Although the exercises have concluded, the border with Belarus remains a security priority for us, on par with the border with Russia and the front line,” Demchenko noted.
The Spokesperson added that Ukrainian border units and intelligence groups, together with the Ministry of Defense and the State Border Guard Service, actively monitored the situation to respond promptly to any potential provocations.
Russia-Belarus Zapad-2025 military exercises
Russia and Belarus conducted joint military exercises named Zapad-2025. The active phase ran from September 12 to 16, primarily in Belarus and partially in Russia.
During the exercises, Russia practiced possible provocations against NATO.
At the final stage of the maneuvers, Russian President Vladimir Putin appeared in military uniform. As noted by ISW, this was likely a message to NATO countries, which the Kremlin has repeatedly threatened.
