How are Nato and Ukraine reacting to the Zapad-2021 war games?

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NATO and Ukraine Express Concerns Over Zapad-2021 War Games

Ukraine and several NATO member states, including Poland and Lithuania, have voiced concerns regarding the Zapad-2021 military exercises, deeming the large-scale drills conducted near their borders as potentially provocative. The Western alliance has urged Russia to maintain transparency concerning troop movements, a point of contention given past accusations of under-reporting by Moscow, and has stated its intention to monitor the exercises closely.
Neighbours Perceive Exercises as Provocative

The proximity of the Zapad-2021 war games to the frontiers of Ukraine and NATO members Poland and Lithuania has led these nations to express alarm. They view the extensive military activities, involving 200,000 troops and conducted across nine sites in Russia and five in Belarus, as carrying a risk of provocation. These drills are the culmination of a three-month exercise period and include live fire components.
NATO Calls for Transparency and Close Monitoring

The North Atlantic Treaty Organization has emphasized the importance of transparency in military exercises, particularly in light of previous instances where Russia has been accused of not fully disclosing troop movements. Consequently, NATO has formally requested Moscow to be open about the Zapad-2021 operations and has indicated that the alliance will be observing the situation with heightened attention.
Context of Zapad Exercises and Regional Dynamics

The Zapad exercises are held quadrennially, but the 2021 iteration has gained particular significance due to Russia's strong backing of Belarus and its leader, Alexander Lukashenko, who has faced international isolation. Russia considers Belarus a crucial strategic buffer and provided substantial support to Lukashenko's government during internal unrest. President Vladimir Putin has denied that the drills are directed against any foreign entity, attributing their scale to increased NATO activity near Russian and allied borders.

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How are Nato and Ukraine reacting to the Zapad-2021 war games?

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