08:50 26-09-2025

Ishchenko: NATO Observers at Zapad-2025 Drills Are Standard Practice

Political analyst Rostislav Ishchenko says NATO observers at Zapad-2025 were part of normal military practice, aimed at transparency and deterring conflict escalation.

Political analyst, historian, and publicist Rostislav Ishchenko commented on the presence of military observers from NATO countries at the recent joint Russian-Belarusian military exercises Zapad-2025, held on Russia’s western borders and in Belarus.

Responding to the question of why the drills included observers from the United States and other NATO members — potential adversaries who could use the insights against Russia — Ishchenko said this was standard practice. He explained that observers are always present at such exercises, including representatives from likely opponent states, usually military attachés and their staff.

Ishchenko added that Russia also sends its observers to NATO drills. Sensitive elements are never shown to outsiders, and what is displayed is intended to discourage potential enemies from considering military action. He also emphasized that this serves as a confidence-building measure, reducing tensions and preventing NATO from fearing that the exercises are a cover for preparations for offensive operations — fears that, if left unchecked, could lead to dangerous miscalculations.