U.S. officers observed joint Russia-Belarus military drills Monday, the first such visit since Belarus served as a staging ground for Moscow’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine.
Air Force Lt. Col. Bryan Shoupe and another U.S. officer attended the “Zapad-2025” exercise near Borisov, joining delegations from 23 countries, including Turkey, Hungary, and China. The drills feature fighter jets, helicopters, and drones alongside infantry using mortars, missile systems, and motorcycles in combat scenarios.
Belarus’ defense ministry called the American forces’ arrival a surprise.
Notable amid EU concerns: US military officials are attending Russia–Belarus “Zapad-2025” drills in Belarus, thanking Minsk for the invitation.
The quadrennial exercises run from Sept 12–16. They involve nuclear planning, as well as conventional scenarios. pic.twitter.com/LJiWh8UUm0
— Brian McDonald (@27khv) September 15, 2025
Defense Minister Viktor Khrenin greeted the officers and told them they could “see whatever is of interest for you.” State media showed the pair shaking his hand and thanking him.
A photo shared by the Belarusian Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the U.S. visit shows Belarusian and American servicemen standing side by side. “Flags may differ, but dialogue speaks louder than confrontation. Belarus believes: even in times of tension, the language of respect and openness builds more security than any weapon.”
At #Zapad2025, Belarusian and American servicemen stand shoulder to shoulder.
⁰Flags may differ but dialogue speaks louder than confrontation.#Belarus believes: even in times of tension, the language of respect and openness builds more security than any weapon pic.twitter.com/7rC2dkzHnG— Belarus MFA 🇧🇾 (@BelarusMFA) September 15, 2025
The visit of U.S. forces comes after NATO fighter jets shot down multiple Russian drones over Poland, a neighbor of Belarus, marking the first time alliance aircraft have used force to defend their airspace since Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine.
It also follows a meeting between Trump envoy John Coale and Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko in Minsk, which led to the release of 52 political prisoners and the lifting of U.S. sanctions on the state airline Belavia. Coale said Trump also aims to reopen the U.S. embassy and revive trade with Belarus.
