Lithuania will carry out a massive military deployment on the border with Belarus

Between August 11 and 22, 2025, Lithuania will conduct tactical military exercises in the regions bordering Belarus. The information was confirmed by the Lithuanian army on August 10, and the exercises will take place mainly in the Varėna district, in the south of the country. 

This military maneuver takes place in a context of increasing regional tension, just days after Russian troops began arriving in Belarus to participate in the strategic Zapad-2025 exercises, scheduled for September.

This military exercise is organized by the Grand Duke of Lithuania Algirdas Infantry Battalion, part of the ''Iron Wolf'' Infantry Brigade (Geležinis Vilkas). About 350 soldiers and 50 units of military equipment are expected to participate, including Vilkas armored combat vehicles. 

Russia will mobilize at least four regiments for its military exercises. 

During the first week, the infantry companies and the battalion headquarters will move to the Varėna district to carry out defensive operations in populated areas, where they will practice urban tactics with armored vehicles.

In the second week, the units will move to the Gaižiūnai training area, where they will conduct live-fire exercises at the company level. Throughout the exercise, an intensive presence of military vehicles is anticipated on local roads, which has been communicated to residents to avoid unnecessary alarm.

The execution of these exercises coincides with the arrival of several Russian contingents in Belarus, as part of preparations for Zapad-2025, one of the largest military exercises of Russia and its allies, held every two years. In this edition, Moscow is transferring troops from four motorized infantry regiments with combat experience in Ukraine. 

Ukraine on alert. 

Although this force doesn't by itself represent a direct threat to Ukraine, its presence raises concern about possible surprise operations, as occurred in Zapad-2021, which preceded Putin's invasion of Ukraine in early 2022. 

The spokesperson for the State Border Service of Ukraine, Andrii Demchenko, stated on August 11 that several hundred Russian soldiers and dozens of pieces of equipment have already been detected in Belarus.

Although the official stated that they currently do not represent a direct threat to Ukraine, Ukrainian intelligence continues to monitor the flow of personnel and equipment. Meanwhile, Zelensky warned in February that Russia could deploy up to 150,000 soldiers in Belarus, which would be equivalent to 15 military divisions, reigniting fears about the opening of a new front.