Russian-Belarusian "West-2025" military exercises concluded today, September 15th, 2025, prompting NATO and Germany to bolster defenses as concerns of Russian aggression persist. Concurrently, Ukrainian drone attacks have impacted Russian oil infrastructure, with the Kirishinaftoorgsynthesis refinery ceasing operations. The "West-2025" exercises involved approximately 30,000 troops, and a political observer from Bild outlined three potential post-exercise options for Russian President Vladimir Putin, including maintaining troops as a threat, invading Ukraine from Belarus, or attacking elsewhere. Throughout the reporting window, extensive aerial reconnaissance was conducted in the Crimean direction and over the Black Sea. A Gulfstream G550 AEW aircraft with call sign IAM1494 performed 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 that such massive reconnaissance typically precedes strikes on Russian military facilities in Crimea. In parallel developments, 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. The Russian Oil Refinery "Kirishinaftoorgsynthesis" stopped work after an attack by Ukrainian UAVs, as reported by Reuters. Separately, the Baltic Sea port of Primorsk, a major outlet for Russian oil exports, partially resumed operations on Saturday following disruptions and damage caused by Ukrainian drone strikes, with the port capable of loading approximately 1 million barrels of oil per day. United States President Donald Trump has labeled Russia an "aggressor," a shift in rhetoric, while Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov reiterated claims that "NATO is at war with Russia." U.S. 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." Meanwhile, members of the U.S. Republican Congress expressed impatience with Russia and President Trump's stance, with Senator Thom Tillis stating, "Russia is really playing us like a piano right now." 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. China's Foreign Ministry spokesman stated that China threatens a decisive reaction if NATO countries introduce tariffs on Russian oil under U.S. pressure. In the Pokrovsky direction, the settlement of Pankivka in the Donetsk region was cleared by the 225th separate assault regiment. Three Russian bombers Tu-95MS were transferred from a Ukrainian airport to Airports Engels and Olenya, equipped with maneuvering missiles. Increased activity was also detected at the Russian maritime base in Novorossiysk, signaling a potential aviation and rocket attack on Ukraine.
