Russian forces commenced multiple military exercises across various regions, including command and staff drills for the Pacific fleet and naval/air components as part of the Zapad-2025 exercises. These drills, involving Bastion missile systems, Tu-22M3 bombers, and rocket launcher complexes, are focused on protecting maritime communications and simulating strikes against enemy targets. The Pacific fleet exercises began recently, while Zapad-2025 activities, including missile launches and bomber strikes, occurred within the reporting window. As part of the Zapad-2025 exercises, Bastion missile systems launched an Onyx missile strike from the François-Joseph archipelago over 200 km away, targeting a simulated enemy group. Simultaneously, Russian long-range Tu-22M3 bombers conducted an air strike against a simulated enemy at approximately 1,000 meters altitude. Additionally, crews of the DP-62 DAMBA rocket launcher complex and anti-sabotage bombs engaged in practical firing on simulated enemy targets, according to TASS. The Pacific fleet's command and staff exercises aim to protect and defend maritime communications from the northern part, involving troops and forces in northeast Russia. These exercises are occurring against a backdrop of heightened tensions in Eastern Europe, with NATO's Operation Eastern Sentry ongoing and previous reports of Russian drone incursions into Polish airspace. The European Union Council also recently extended its sanctions against Russia for another six months.
