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Russia and Belarus Spread Coordinated Propaganda During Zapad 2025 Military Exercises
Russia deployed six distinct propaganda narratives during September’s Zapad 2025 military exercises, according to a comprehensive investigation by the Baltic Center for Investigative Journalism Re:Baltica and Media IQ, a Belarusian journalists’ press club working in exile.
The joint Russian-Belarusian military exercises served as a platform for sophisticated information operations targeting both international and domestic audiences. Researchers analyzed media coverage in both countries to identify deliberate messaging strategies.
Russian media emphasized allied strength as its primary narrative, portraying the exercises as evidence of deep military coordination between Russia and Belarus. This message dominated across all Russian media formats, presenting the two nations as a unified defensive force.
A second prominent Russian narrative centered on nuclear deterrence, framing Russia’s nuclear arsenal as a defensive tool while simultaneously conveying thinly veiled threats under the guise of “containment.” This messaging appears designed to normalize discussions of nuclear weapons use.
The investigation found that Russian outlets consistently portrayed NATO as an aggressor “preparing for war while hiding behind peace” and depicted Ukraine as the primary regional provocateur threatening all neighboring countries.
Russia also pushed narratives about its supposed technological superiority over Western military capabilities, seemingly to counterbalance public perceptions of its prolonged war in Ukraine by creating an illusion of sustained military advancement.
Perhaps most concerning was what researchers called the “exercises as cover” narrative—a subtle suggestion that Zapad 2025 could serve as camouflage for other military operations. While not directly stated by Russian officials, this messaging amplified Ukrainian fears, allowing Russia to manipulate regional anxieties indirectly.
Belarusian state media employed a more diplomatic approach with three distinct propaganda themes. Official communications emphasized a “peaceful power” narrative, presenting the exercises as purely defensive while portraying Belarus as a responsible partner seeking regional stability.
“A distinctive feature was the appearance of openness,” the researchers noted, pointing to Belarus’s invitation of foreign observers and journalists, which was deliberately contrasted with alleged “Western secrecy” around NATO military preparations.
For domestic Belarusian consumption, an “invincible fortress” narrative dominated Telegram channels and military publications. This messaging highlighted military readiness and featured what researchers called “technical fetishism”—detailed descriptions of weapons and military capabilities designed to create an impression of technological superiority.
The third Belarusian narrative focused on “Union solidarity” between Belarus and Russia. State news agency BELTA typified this approach with articles emphasizing their unified stance, frequently invoking World War II symbolism to frame current military cooperation as a continuation of historical alliances against “Western threats.”
Researchers highlighted significant differences in the two countries’ messaging approaches. “Belarusian state media sought to appear diplomatic, emphasizing ‘peacefulness’ and ‘defense,’ and avoiding direct references to specific target countries, while Russian outlets were far more aggressive,” the report stated.
This contrast was particularly evident in discussions about nuclear weapons. While Belarusian media made only veiled references to “deterrence,” Russian channels systematically conditioned their public to accept potential nuclear weapons use through a gradual “warming-up” method.
For Belarusian leader Alexander Lukashenko’s regime, a key outcome of Zapad 2025 appears to be cultivating public acceptance of increased militarization. The propaganda campaign has shifted attitudes toward defense spending and military conscription, transforming what were once unpopular policies into “an unavoidable price for national security,” according to Re:Baltica.
The investigation analyzed Belarusian state media and pro-government Telegram channels from July through late September 2025, along with Russian media coverage during the publicly announced exercise period of September 1-16. While officially scheduled for mid-September, related military activities began as early as July, with strategic nuclear exercises expected to follow in October or November.
Latvian Defense Minister Andris Sprūds reported no significant incidents in Latvian territory during the exercises but confirmed that his ministry continues monitoring the situation closely.
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14 Comments
This investigation provides valuable insight into the anatomy of the propaganda being pushed by Russia and Belarus during the Zapad 2025 military exercises. The use of nuclear deterrence narratives is particularly troubling.
It’s worrying how these exercises are being leveraged to normalize discussions around nuclear weapons. This needs to be actively countered to prevent further escalation.
This investigation highlights the sophisticated nature of the information operations surrounding the Zapad 2025 exercises. The use of multiple, coordinated narratives across media formats is a concerning tactic.
The article does a great job of unpacking the different propaganda narratives being deployed by Russia and Belarus during the Zapad 2025 exercises. Identifying these tactics is crucial for understanding and responding to their information warfare efforts.
Fascinating insights into the coordinated information warfare tactics used by Russia and Belarus during the Zapad 2025 military exercises. The specific narratives around allied strength and nuclear deterrence are particularly concerning.
The article highlights the sophistication of Russia and Belarus’s information warfare tactics surrounding the Zapad 2025 exercises. Spreading coordinated propaganda across media formats is a concerning development.
Interesting to see the specific propaganda tactics being employed, like emphasizing allied strength and nuclear deterrence. This shows the level of coordination and planning behind these information campaigns.
I agree, the use of military exercises to spread these narratives is a worrying tactic. We need to be vigilant in calling out and countering this kind of disinformation.
Fascinating insights into the coordinated propaganda tactics used by Russia and Belarus during the Zapad 2025 military exercises. The focus on allied strength and nuclear deterrence is particularly concerning.
I agree, the normalization of nuclear weapons discussions is a dangerous development that requires close attention and pushback from the international community.
The article provides a fascinating analysis of how Russia and Belarus are using the Zapad 2025 military exercises as a platform for sophisticated information operations and propaganda. The coordinated narratives around allied strength and nuclear deterrence are particularly concerning.
It’s concerning how these exercises are being leveraged to normalize discussions of nuclear weapons use. This is a dangerous escalation that requires close monitoring and pushback from the international community.
The article provides a comprehensive look at the propaganda tactics employed by Russia and Belarus during the Zapad 2025 military exercises. The emphasis on allied strength and nuclear deterrence is particularly troubling.
I share your concern about the normalization of nuclear weapons discussions. This is a dangerous escalation that must be actively countered.