Russia launches cruise missile drills over Barents Sea during 'Zapad' war games

Russian Tu-160 bombers practised launching cruise missiles over the Barents Sea on Tuesday during joint military drills with Belarus, as part of the Zapad 2025 exercises.

Russia’s Defence Ministry said on Tuesday that its nuclear-capable Tu-160 strategic bombers carried out simulated cruise missile launches during a four-hour flight over neutral waters in the Barents Sea, escorted by MiG-31 fighter jets. The manoeuvres were part of the ongoing Zapad 2025 military exercises conducted jointly with Belarus.

The five-day drills, which Moscow says are intended to test combat readiness, have heightened regional concerns, coming days after NATO and Polish forces shot down Russian drones that violated Polish airspace. In response, Poland temporarily closed its border with Belarus.

Belarusian Defence Minister Viktor Khrenin was expected to observe another component of the exercises on Russian territory on Tuesday, which his ministry said would be held “in conditions as close as possible to combat”.

Belarus, a close Russian ally, has supported the war in Ukraine politically and logistically but has not deployed troops. President Alexander Lukashenko has permitted Russian forces to base tactical nuclear weapons on Belarusian soil.

U.S. President Donald Trump has recently moved to thaw relations with Belarus, easing sanctions last week following the release of 52 detainees, including political prisoners. In a rare move, U.S. military officers were invited to observe part of the Zapad exercise in Belarus on Monday.

The Barents Sea, located north of Scandinavia, is strategically significant due to its proximity to NATO-member Norway and Russia’s Northern Fleet bases. The Zapad drills, which are held every four years, traditionally focus on Russia’s western military district and border areas.

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