Sept. 15 (UPI) -- The Russian military put on a show of force Monday in a training exercise intended to prepare for a future war with Western countries.

The invitation by Belarus came as its autocratic leader has been trying to improve relations with the Trump administration, which has been receptive.

U.S. military officers observed joint war games between Russia and Belarus on Monday for the first time since Moscow used Belarus as a launchpad to enter Ukraine, as U.S. President Donald Trump deepens ties with Moscow's closest ally. The presence of the U.S. officers, less than a week after neighbouring Poland shot down Russian drones that crossed into its airspace, is the latest sign that Washington is seeking to warm ties with Belarus.

NEAR BORISOV, Belarus: US military officers observed joint war games between Russia and Belarus on Monday (Sep 15) and were told by Belarusian Defence Minister Viktor Khrenin that they could look at "whatever is of interest for you".

NEAR BORISOV, Belarus (Reuters) -U.S. military officers observed joint war games between Russia and Belarus on Monday and were told by Belarusian Defence Minister Viktor Khrenin that they could look at "whatever is of interest for you". Russia and Belarus began the "Zapad-2025" exercise at training grounds in both countries on Friday at a time of heightened tension with NATO, two days after Poland shot down Russian drones that crossed into its airspace. The attendance of the Americans at a training ground in Belarus was presented by the country's defence ministry as a surprise.

On Monday, September 15, American military officers were present at the ongoing Russian-Belarusian military drills, Zapad-2025, in a move described as unexpected by Belarusian officials. The exercises, which began on September 12 and continue until September 16 across Belarus and western Russia, have traditionally raised concerns among NATO’s eastern members, including Poland, Lithuania, and Latvia.