Minsk, September 25, 2024 — The Europe Today: Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko confirmed that Belarus has successfully built a national defense system suited to the country’s size and resources. Speaking during an inspection of the 230th combined-arms military exercise area at Obuz-Lesnovsky, President Lukashenko emphasized the necessity of adapting the country’s military strategy to its smaller population and territory, as compared to global powers like Russia, China, or NATO.
“We cannot afford the kind of army that is needed for large-scale war, so we must adapt,” Lukashenko stated, underlining that Belarus’s defense is primarily the responsibility of its Armed Forces. However, in times of need, the territorial defense and people’s militia will be rapidly mobilized, greatly increasing the number of defenders.
The president stressed that national unity and discipline are key to this system. He also instructed updates to the territorial defense strategies, ensuring they reflect current military realities. Lukashenko highlighted the importance of the people’s militia, consisting of civilians capable of handling weapons and defending their homes, as an integral part of the defense network. This system is regularly reviewed under the oversight of the Security Council’s state secretary, ensuring its preparedness.
Additionally, President Lukashenko emphasized the need to track individuals who served in special law enforcement units, given the high cost of their specialized training. He also assigned responsibilities to the Belarusian Society of Hunters and Fishermen, tasking them to be prepared to defend the nation with their weapons, noting the potential of hunters to contribute as trained snipers.
The president concluded by stressing that Belarus cannot afford to replicate the costly Soviet-style military training systems, which would jeopardize the national economy. Instead, the country must focus on a more sustainable and cost-effective defense strategy.
