MINSK, Sept. 12 (Xinhua) -- Belarus and Russia began their large-scale joint military exercises Zapad-2025 on Friday, said Belarusian Chief of the General Staff and First Deputy Defense Minister Pavel Muraveiko.
This strategic drill in Belarus is conducted regularly and planned for enhancing the capabilities of commanders and officers in managing troop groupings in order to better fulfill the tasks of protecting national sovereignty and territorial integrity, Muraveiko said.
The drill is not directed against any specific country or countries, he said.
As usual, Minsk has invited representatives from many countries, including European states, to observe this year's drill. ■
