The commander of the Finland's defense forces, General Janne Jaakkola, warns that the Russian-Wellaruse military exercises Zapad-2025, who are in progress, could hide dangerous surprises and are carefully monitored by the Finnish authorities.
A Finnish general warns that Zapad-2025 exercises could be unpredictable photo: X
At the opening of national defense courses, General Jakkola stressed that the Zapad-2025 maneuvers take place in a fragile security context, marked by Russia's military aggression in Ukraine and Moscow attempts to destabilize Western states.
“The Ukraine war is not a large strategic operation. Russia also has resources for other goals ”said Jaakkola, adding that exercise is a demonstration of Kremlin's capabilities and intentions.
He also reminded of recent incidents, such as the violation of the air space of Poland and Romania by Russian drones, which emphasizes the risks in the region.
Zapad-21 lessons
The Finnish general recalled that the four -year -old snow exercises represented a preparation for Russia's invasion in Ukraine. “We remember well how Zapad-21 exercises were used as a basis for the preparation of the Ukraine war: After the maneuvers end, the units remained on the training grounds“Said Jaakkola, quoted by Ukrainska Pravda.
In his opinion, maneuvers of this type may be accompanied by “Unexpected situation reversals“, Which is why Finland follows them with maximum care.
Reactions at regional level
The Zapad-2025 exercises started at the end of last week and are held between September 12 and 16, on the territory of Russia and Belarus, but also in the Baltic Sea and the Barents Sea, according to the Russian Ministry.
The fears of the neighbors were not delayed. Poland decided to completely close the border with Belarus on the evening of September 11, just before the incursion of Russian drones into its airspace. On the same day, the Latvia Parliament (Saeima) voted to close the borders with Russia and Belarus during the exercises.
