Zapad 2013

The Zapad 2013 (Russian: Запад 2013, lit. 'West 2013') military exercise was held by the armed forces of Russia and Belarus in Russia and Belarus from 20 to 26 September 2013. The comprehensive exercise, involving all branches of the Russian military and between 10,000 to 90,000 soldiers (estimates vary), was officially described as counterterrorist, but international observers concluded it was a preparation for a conventional war.