Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko visits the Defence Ministry

Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko visits the Defence Ministry

The Belarusian Armed Forces should properly respond to present-day challenges and threats, Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko said during his visit to the Defence Ministry on 19 February.

He suggested discussing the areas of the Armed Forces’ development under current conditions. “We regularly address this issue. However, today the situation around our country has changed and it is very complicated. The main goal is to adjust the Armed Forces and particularly our Army in a way that it could respond to the situation which can emerge tomorrow and the day after tomorrow,” the President said.

“Although the conditions are not changing dramatically, we see what is going on in the theater of operations in connection with numerous conflicts. We study these conflicts and, of course, cannot but respond to the situation. We have to adjust to the situation, alter the methods of armed struggle to defend the country,” the Belarusian leader said.

Alexander Lukashenko reminded that when appointing the defence minister he instructed him to consider the prospects of developing the efficient and resilient Army and the Armed Forces in general. According to the President, the task has been fulfilled.

“Our Armed Forces should properly respond to present-day challenges and threats. However, we need to make investments in it taking into account the current situation. Therefore, further efforts to develop the Armed Forces should be well-considered and coordinated,” the President emphasised.

Defence Minister Andrei Ravkov informed the President about the Armed Forces’ current state and future development. Alexander Lukashenko was also informed about the weapons stocks and combat readiness of weapons. In his opinion, it is important from the economic and organisational points of view.

The Chief of General Staff reported on the plans of special operations, the Armed Forces’ readiness to defend the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the country in order to prevent anyone from attempts to impose military pressure on Belarus.