Is this all a normal inspection? Belarus surprisingly tests the combat readiness of its army. The units involved must go to "designated areas" as quickly as possible and "organize their security and defense," it said.
Belarus has scheduled a surprise troop inspection. According to the Ministry of Defense in Minsk, the "combat readiness" of the Belarusian armed forces is being checked on the orders of ruler Alexander Lukashenko. Since military equipment and personnel would also be relocated, the population had to be prepared for traffic disruptions.
The troops involved in the inspection must go to "designated areas" as quickly as possible and "organize their security and defense," according to the ministry. In addition, they should build temporary bridges over the rivers Memel and Bjaresina. "Comprehensive activities" are planned, such as the "organization of protection and defense".
Lukashenko is a close ally of Kremlin boss Vladimir Putin. Before the start of the Russian invasion of Ukraine on February 24, Moscow held military exercises in Belarus. At the beginning of the offensive, Russian soldiers also entered neighboring Ukraine from Belarusian territory. Kiev has since strengthened its defenses on its northern border with Belarus and Russia.
However, Lukashenko has repeatedly assured that he does not intend to send troops to Ukraine. When Russia and Belarus announced the creation of a joint military unit in mid-October, Minsk emphasized that it should serve purely "defensive" purposes.
It was also announced last week that Belarus appears to be allowing Ukrainian grain to be transported through its territory for export from Lithuanian ports. Minsk allows this without any preconditions, said UN Secretary-General António Guterres in New York after a meeting with Belarusian Deputy Foreign Minister Yuri Ambrazevich. At the same time, Ambrazevich repeated his government's request to be able to export fertilizers that are currently subject to sanctions.
