Russian President Putin Appears Armed and Camouflaged at Zapad-2025 Military DrillsRussian President Vladimir Putin appeared in military camouflage with a pistol in hand during his visit to the Mulino training ground, where the main phase of the Zapad-2025 joint Russian-Belarusian exercises is underway. Particular attention was given to a pistol, which Putin examined in detail, even removing the magazine as part of his inspection. Putin stressed that the technology deployed is modern and widely used in active combat operations. The Zapad series of exercises has long been a demonstration of Russia-Belarus military integration and preparedness. With the 2025 edition, Moscow highlights both its operational capacity and its political commitment to strengthening the Union State amid rising international tensions.