PLACES IN NEWS 13th SEPTEMBER 2025

1. Russia

Why in the News?

1. Russia and Belarus began joint military drills (‘Zapad 2025’) involving tanks, helicopters, ships, and missile strikes.
2. NATO and Poland are on high alert, with Poland closing its border with Belarus amid rising tensions.
3. Russia continues attacks in Ukraine, but the Kremlin says the exercises are routine and not aimed at any country.
4. The drills run until September 16, 2025, and are the first Zapad exercises during the Ukraine conflict.

About Russia

1. Political Features
   1. Location: Russia stretches across Eastern Europe and Northern Asia.
   2. Size: It is the largest country in the world by land area.
   3. Land Borders: Russia shares borders with Norway, Finland, Estonia, Latvia, Belarus, Ukraine, Georgia, and Azerbaijan in the west, and with Kazakhstan, China, Mongolia, and North Korea in the south. Its exclave, Kaliningrad, borders Lithuania and Poland.
   4. Maritime Boundaries: Bordered by the Arctic Ocean to the north and the Pacific Ocean to the east.
2. Geographical Features
   1. Mountains: Includes the Ural Mountains (dividing Europe and Asia) and Mount Elbrus (the highest peak in Europe).
   2. Rivers: Major rivers include the Dnipro, Volga, and Ob.
   3. Lakes: Significant lakes are Lake Onega and Lake Baikal, the largest freshwater lake in the world.
   4. Strait: The Bering Strait separates Russia from Alaska, USA.
   5. Bordering Seas: Includes the Baltic Sea, Caspian Sea, Okhotsk Sea, and Black Sea.

2. Belarus

Why in the News?

1. Belarus is hosting joint military drills with Russia (‘Zapad 2025’), including ground, air, and naval operations.
2. Some exercises are being held in the Grodno region, near the border with Poland and Lithuania, raising security concerns.
3. Poland and NATO have increased security and put forces on high alert due to the drills.
4. Belarus, along with Russia, claims the exercises are routine and not targeted against any country.

About Belarus

1. Political and Geographical Features
   1. Location: Belarus is a landlocked country in Eastern Europe.
   2. Borders: It shares borders with Russia (northeast), Ukraine (south), Poland (west), and Lithuania & Latvia (northwest).
   3. Capital: Minsk is both the capital and largest city.
   4. History: Formerly known as Belorussia or White Russia, it was part of the Soviet Union until gaining independence in 1991.
2. Languages and People
   1. Official Languages: Belarusian (spoken by 24%) and Russian (spoken by 70%).
   2. Ethnic Composition: More than three-quarters of the population are ethnic Belarusians, whose language is closely related to Russian and Ukrainian.
3. Relief and Natural Features
   1. The country is mostly flat lowlands with low hills and uplands.
   2. Around 40% is covered by forests, including the Białowieża Forest, one of Europe’s last primeval forests.
   3. Rivers: The Dnieper River flows north to south across the country toward the Black Sea. The Mukhavyets River in the southwest drains into the Bug River and eventually the Baltic Sea.
4. Climate: Belarus has a cool continental climate, moderated by maritime influences from the Atlantic Ocean.