Russian-Belarusian "West-2025" military exercises concluded today, September 15th, 2025, with Western nations, including Poland and Germany, bolstering their defenses amid concerns that Russian forces stationed in Belarus could launch an attack. Meanwhile, the Kirishinaftoorgsynthesis oil refinery in Russia ceased operations following an attack by Ukrainian drones, Reuters reported. Bild, citing political observer Peter Tide, outlined three potential options for Russian President Vladimir Putin following the exercises: maintaining troops as a threat, invading Ukraine from Belarus, or attacking another location. The report noted that "Putin demonstrates power, while NATO countries are not yet ready," citing the downing of only three out of 25 drones in a recent attack on Poland as an example of a costly response. The "West-2025" exercises involved approximately 30,000 troops. Intelligence gathering in the Crimean direction and over the Black Sea intensified today. A Gulfstream G550 AEW aircraft with call sign IAM1494 conducted reconnaissance over Romania's territorial waters, while a Boeing P-8A Poseidon patrol aircraft operated over the Black Sea, according to the "Crimean Wind" monitoring group. Earlier, an American Bombardier Artemis II radio electronic intelligence aircraft operated along the borders of Ukraine and Moldova. "Crimean Wind" suggested such extensive reconnaissance typically precedes strikes on Russian military facilities in Crimea. In parallel, Ukrainian drone manufacturers Vyriy and "Fourth Law" announced the mass production of drones equipped with a new guidance system between 10:31 AM and 10:45 AM UTC on September 15th, 2025, as previously reported. Separately, Colonel Artem Vlasiuk, head of civil defense for the AFU's CBRN Defense Office, stated that Russia has employed "K-51 (CS) tearing grenades, РГВО (CN), and other modified and homemade explosive devices equipped with dangerous chemicals such as chlorine and ammonia," which constitutes a grave violation of international law if chlorine was used, according to a report citing OSINTNW. Earlier on September 15th, 2025, a NATO Boeing P-8A Poseidon aircraft conducted aerial reconnaissance over Romania, focusing on the Crimean direction, originating from NATO Sigonella. Russian forces conducted drills simulating the repulsion of an enemy landing on the Kaliningrad coast as part of the ZAPAD 2025 exercises between 11:31 AM and 11:46 AM UTC. The exercises were observed by representatives from approximately 23 states. United States official Kellogg previously downplayed Russian military capabilities on September 15th, 2025, at approximately 11:46 AM UTC, stating Russia cannot march on Berlin and that "nobody should be afraid of the Russian military."
