Belarus Weekly: Minsk to welcome 9,000 Russian troops, as covert mobilization is ongoing in Belarus
Friday, October 21, 2022
https://kyivindependent.com/regional/belarus-weekly-minsk-to-welcome-9-000-russian-troops-as-covert-mobilization-is-ongoing-in-belarus
Belarus to welcome 9,000 Russian troops. Meanwhile, a covert mobilization is ongoing in Belarus.
Belarus’ dictator Alexander Lukashenko warns of a so-called “increased risk of terrorist threats” in Belarus, as authorities give contradicting statements about an alleged “counter-terrorist regime” in the country.
Ukraine is considering abolishing Kyiv’s visa-free regime with Minsk amid Belarus’ continued support of Russia’s full-scale war.
Minsk’s financial situation continues to deteriorate, as the World Bank labels Belarusian loans as “nonperforming.” Belarus has $68 million in overdue payments.
Lukashenko’s anticipated amnesty law, which he claimed would free some political prisoners, falls flat. Belarusian authorities continue to give out harsh sentences to those who oppose the regime.
Belarus’ Defense Ministry announced on Oct. 16 that the joint regional military command would have around 9,000 Russian troops.
On Oct. 15, Belarus’ Defense Ministry announced the arrival of the first group of Russian servicemen to Belarus after the Oct. 10 announcement. Around 170 Russian tanks, up to 100 artillery, and 200 combat vehicles are also expected to arrive.
The Belarusian Defense Ministry’s official Valery Revenko claimed that the decision to create a joint regional military command alongside Russia is “solely to strengthen the defense of (Belarus’) borders.”
The command primarily consists of the Belarusian army but receives the support of Russian troops, Lukashenko said. He added that around 70,000 Belarusian soldiers would join the force. Belarus doesn’t have that many soldiers.
The news comes amid heightened threats of potential attacks on Ukraine from Belarusian territory. Experts say that the out-of-practice Belarusian army likely wouldn’t significantly impact the war, but the growing Putin-Lukashenko ties have reignited concerns.
RUMORS SPREAD SURROUNDING COVERT MOBILIZATION IN BELARUS
On Oct. 13, Belarusian media reported that Lukashenko had started covert mobilization in Belarus, signaling a potential escalation of Russia’s war against Ukraine. The Belarusian publication said neither the goals nor the scale of the mobilization is clear.
Lukashenko has not publicly announced mobilization.
He emphasized on Oct. 4 that Belarus does not need to announce mobilization, blaming rumors on those who oppose his regime.
However, he noted that Belarusian authorities are conducting checks on military personnel and those liable for military service.
On Oct. 10, Lukashenko announced the creation of a joint Russia-Belarus military command, which entails stationing Russian troops on Belarusian territory.
While Lukashenko claims that Minsk’s part of the joint force will comprise around 70,000 Belarusian soldiers, experts suggest that Belarus’ Armed Forces are made up of only 45,000 service people.
To reach Lukashenko’s number, additional personnel must be drafted.
Reports of Belarusian citizens receiving subpoenas to military enlistment offices have continued, spurring additional rumors of potential mobilization in Belarus.
The report comes a few weeks after Russian President Vladimir Putin called for mobilization amid humiliating military defeats on the battlefield in Ukraine. Facing pressure, Russia has been dragging Belarus into openly joining the war.
I wonder how many NATO troops (mostly Polish) are on Belarus’ border?