MINSK, 13 August (BelTA) - International observers, including representatives from NATO countries, have been invited to monitor the joint Belarusian-Russian strategic exercise Zapad 2025 to be held in Belarus on 12-16 September, Belarusian Defense Minister Viktor Khrenin said as he took questions from journalists following a closed-door report to the head of state in Minsk on 13 August, BelTA learned.
According to him, invitations were extended to all 56 participating states of the Vienna Document on Confidence- and Security-Building Measures. “We have sent invitations to all. We are currently awaiting for responses. I cannot yet specify which countries will attend,” the minister stated, noting that responses from observers are expected by 20 August.
Additionally, as part of bilateral military cooperation, Belarus has extended invitations to 25 other nations, primarily member states of the SCO, CSTO, and CIS, along with other friendly countries. This was done to enable them “to send representatives or, where feasible, defense ministers to observe the exercise,” Viktor Khrenin explained.
“But that’s not all. There are over 30 military attachés currently accredited to our country, including nine from NATO member states. They, too, will have the opportunity to observe our exercise. We are inviting them all. This once again underscores our commitment to peace, transparency, and our genuine desire to reduce military tensions which, unfortunately, we clearly see. We are taking the first step. Now we expect reciprocal steps from our neighbors,” Defense Minister Viktor Khrenin emphasized.
According to him, invitations were extended to all 56 participating states of the Vienna Document on Confidence- and Security-Building Measures. “We have sent invitations to all. We are currently awaiting for responses. I cannot yet specify which countries will attend,” the minister stated, noting that responses from observers are expected by 20 August.
Additionally, as part of bilateral military cooperation, Belarus has extended invitations to 25 other nations, primarily member states of the SCO, CSTO, and CIS, along with other friendly countries. This was done to enable them “to send representatives or, where feasible, defense ministers to observe the exercise,” Viktor Khrenin explained.
“But that’s not all. There are over 30 military attachés currently accredited to our country, including nine from NATO member states. They, too, will have the opportunity to observe our exercise. We are inviting them all. This once again underscores our commitment to peace, transparency, and our genuine desire to reduce military tensions which, unfortunately, we clearly see. We are taking the first step. Now we expect reciprocal steps from our neighbors,” Defense Minister Viktor Khrenin emphasized.
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