Zapad 2025 - Just Bluster?

In September, Russia and Belarus conducted their joint Zapad (West) military exercises. Despite typical Moscow bluster intended to frighten the West -- simulated nuclear strikes -- the drill paled in comparison to the 2021, pre-invasion, exercise. This year the two countries fielded only 13,000 troops, compared to 200,000 in 2021. (What possibly could be keeping the rest of Russia's troops busy?) It was also held deeper into Belarusian territory, probably to avoid any dangerous miscalculations by its western neighbors. (https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2025/09/16/russia-and-belarus-stage-simulated-nuclear-strike-during-zapad-2025-war-games-a90539)