Opinions & Interviews

MINSK, 31 May (BelTA) – The Belarusian army should respond effectively to modern challenges and threats, Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko said at a session on the results of the inspection of the Armed Forces, BelTA has learned.

“We invest significant resources in the maintenance and re-equipment of the army. Troops receive new types of military technology, equipment and means of control. Belarus is not going to be drawn into an arms race, and engage in saber rattling. However, due to the current military political situation, we cannot afford different proportions of public expenditure financing. We will spend as much on our security as it is necessary,” the head of state said.

Alexander Lukashenko noted that through the media Belarus informed the general public and all those who are interested in security and defense matters outside Belarus about the regular inspection of the armed forces. “On my instruction, such inspections are held suddenly in order to learn the true state of affairs in the army,” he said.

In this connection the meeting will consider the state of affairs in the armed forces and possible problems. “Our army is one of the main instruments of the state to ensure military security. It should effectively respond to modern challenges and threats. This is a crucial requirement,” the Belarusian leader underlined.

The head of state noted that the money is invested in the army money to increase the combat capabilities of the armed forces and improve defense of Belarus. “It is unacceptable when costly weapons are underutilized or come into disrepair due to the lack of professionalism of individual commanders. The goal is not just to preserve or increase the military potential of our army, but to use it rationally. It is not just about military expenditures. One of the key elements of defense capability is readiness for complete mobilization and high skills of the troops, especially officers. Without soldiers, officers, general no weapons will help any army,” Alexander Lukashenko noted.

According to Alexander Lukashenko, these were the aspects he asked to focus on during the inspection of the armed forces. “I was informed about the results of the inspection. The inspection discovered numerous shortcomings. Almost all of them were purely subjective: formalism, complacency, and lack of order, which is absolutely unacceptable for us. This is not the way the armed forces should function,” the head of state said.

“You know that we cannot get complacent, as such attitude leads to irresponsibility, which can cost a lot to the state and the people. God forbid, we have a war time again. You know what happened during the Great Patriotic War,” Alexander Lukashenko said. “Today we already know a lot about the reasons why the Nazi army manged to cross Belarus within two months or even less. This happened not because Belarus or its people were not good enough. This happened because of mismanagement and bungling. Talks about war were forbidden to avoid provocations, to appease. We must learn from such lessons,” Alexander Lukashenko said.