Belarus is categorically opposed to the deployment of Western contingents along its borders, Chief of the International Military Cooperation Department, Aide for International Military Cooperation to the Belarusian Defense Minister Valery Revenko told the media following a briefing on current issues of military policy, construction, and development of the Armed Forces of Belarus on 19 February, BelTA has learned.
The briefing was attended by representatives of the foreign military-diplomatic corps accredited to the Defense Ministry of Belarus from more than 20 states. They were informed about topical issues of military policy, construction, and development of the Armed Forces. An important point was the presentation of the views of the Belarusian defense department on the development of the military-political situation in the world and the European region.
“Regarding the state of the military-political situation, it should be noted that we no longer focused attention on how many operational combat training activities of Western forces were conducted near the borders of our state. We conveyed our position on this issue. For example, we categorically reject the deployment of contingents along the border of the Republic of Belarus. We are watching with caution the issues of increasing budgets of foreign states, construction of plants, equipment, armaments, military hardware, which in no way signal attempts to normalize relations or build a constructive dialogue with the Republic of Belarus. We also focused attention on the non-compliance with international treaties, for example, the withdrawal of a number of our neighbors from the Ottawa Convention on anti-personnel mines. We state that they will harm primarily themselves, their own population,” Valery Revenko said.
Operational and combat training activities were reviewed at the briefing. “Our activities are primarily driven by the actions of the West and their aggressive rhetoric. They have openly stated that they are preparing for war. We are conducting activities to prepare the Armed Forces to repel aggression. At the same time, I want to note that these activities are open. We are transparent in all matters concerning the activities of the Armed Forces. Let me give one small example. We conduct readiness checks of the Armed Forces to repel aggression by order of the president of our state, according to the plans of the Defense Ministry. We are open, providing information in full, that foreign military attachés lately do not even have reasons or any proposals to hold a briefing or other similar events. That is to say, promptly, directly from the field, with comments from the leadership of the Armed Forces and the state leadership, everything is open, accessible, and clear: we are preparing precisely to repel aggression, and not for any aggressive or offensive actions,” Valery Revenko said.
The briefing also covered the modernization of the Armed Forces with new weaponry and equipment. “We are not expanding the Armed Forces - this has been reiterated once again. Instead, we are integrating high-tech weapons for strategic deterrence, including aircraft, helicopters, and missile systems. These will help counter the negative rhetoric and ambitions of our neighbors and Western states. We also addressed military education. Our programs are highly sought after, reflecting the latest developments in military art and modern conflicts. Currently, we have students from five countries, and around ten from various continents when including short-term courses,” Valery Revenko said.