Zapad 2023: A Nuclear Rehearsal?

Russia and Belarus have concluded their joint military exercises, known as Zapad. These war games, which lasted five days, included strategic planning involving tactical nuclear weapons and the deployment of Russia's Oreshnik hypersonic missile. Belarusian military sources, as quoted by state media, highlighted the exercises' purpose to enhance combat readiness.

The Zapad exercises, meaning 'West,' aimed to demonstrate the military capabilities of both nations. This show of force was reportedly designed to bolster their strategic response scenarios and readiness to potential threats.

State media outlets highlighted the exercises' completion as a significant step in testing and displaying the military endurance and the strategic apparatus of Russia and Belarus. The drills included a series of simulated attacks and defensive maneuvers, underscoring their commitment to military preparedness.

(With inputs from agencies.)