US officers observe war games in Belarus as relations show signs of warming

American military officials visited Belarus on Monday to observe joint military exercises with Russia, the Belarussian Ministry of Defense said. The drills, called Zapad-2025, began last week at training sites in both countries, while tensions between NATO and Russia remain, Reuters reported.

According to Belarusian Defense Minister Viktor Khrenin, U.S. officers were allowed to watch any part of the exercises they wanted. Although none of the Americans spoke to reporters, the ministry issued a video showing them thanking their host. In addition, the drills were attended by observers from 23 other countries, including Turkey and Hungary.

The military visit followed recent signs that relations between Washington and Minsk are improving, despite close cooperation between Belarus and Russia. Just days before, Trump envoy John Coale met with Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko and helped secure the release of 52 political prisoners in return for lifting U.S. sanctions on the Belarusian airline Belavia.

Coale said President Donald Trump hopes to restore full diplomatic relations with Belarus by reopening the U.S. embassy in Minsk and boosting bilateral trade. During the talks, Trump also sent a personal message to Lukashenko as part of his efforts to improve relations with this country.