Group 1 - Russia successfully tested the Tsirkon hypersonic cruise missile in the Barents Sea and conducted joint military exercises with Belarus, named "Zapad-2025," aimed at enhancing military command and coordination capabilities in case of an attack [1] - The Tsirkon missile can strike targets within 1,000 kilometers and has a speed of 9 Mach (approximately 11,000 km/h), with a warhead weight of 300-400 kg [1] - NATO initiated "Eastern Sentry" operations following Russian drone incursions into Polish airspace, with NATO Secretary General Stoltenberg warning that Russian actions are escalating regional tensions [1] Group 2 - The Su-34 fighter-bomber, equipped with 12 hardpoints and capable of carrying 8 tons of munitions, was used for ground attack tasks during the exercises, emphasizing its low-altitude penetration capabilities [2] - The U.S. Department of Defense officials were allowed to observe the Belarus military exercises, marking the first time NATO member countries were invited to such events [2] - Recent U.S. diplomatic actions towards Belarus, including the release of prisoners in exchange for the lifting of sanctions on the Belarusian airline Belavia, indicate a shift in U.S. policy towards the region [2] Group 3 - Analysts suggest that the joint military exercises between Russia and Belarus aim to strengthen military alliances, while the U.S. seeks to circumvent sanctions against Russia through Belarus [3] - The deployment of hypersonic weapons by Russia serves as a deterrent against NATO's conventional military advantages, while the U.S. may be looking to create conditions for negotiations regarding the Russia-Ukraine conflict [3] - Recent personal diplomacy from the Trump administration towards Belarus contrasts sharply with the Biden administration's tougher stance, indicating potential shifts in U.S. strategy towards Russia [3]