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Belarus turns to an unusual method to strengthen its armed forces
Belarusian authorities are alarming citizens with the prospect of being forcibly transferred from civilian jobs into military service. Officials have even come up with a justification for the move, according to a statement by Belarusian dictator Alexander Lukashenko, Pul Pervogo reports.
Lukashenko plans to 'reinforce' the border with Ukraine
Lukashenko said there are several "offenses" for which Belarusian citizens could be sent into military service, including:
・Failing to perform their duties,
・Violating labor discipline during the harvest season.
According to Lukashenko, the measure would apply not only to ordinary workers but also to officials at all levels.
The Belarusian leader said those deemed unable to work properly would be assigned to units serving along the border with Ukraine.
"Pass my instruction to Defense Minister Viktor Khrenin: everyone who doesn't know how to work should be sent to the army and to the southern border. Into the forest. Our boys, the Special Operations Forces, are dispersed along the Ukrainian border on my orders," Lukashenko said.
How the 'mobilization of idlers' would work
The Belarusian leader said that after just one week of training, such individuals could be assigned to the Special Operations Forces (SSO) as regular soldiers.
"One week of training — a grenade launcher, a machine gun — and then off to the Special Operations Forces," Lukashenko said.
At the same time, he again claimed that Belarus has no intention of attacking neighboring countries.
"This does not mean that we are preparing to attack anyone. We are not attacking anyone; we are ensuring our own security," Lukashenko said.
Earlier this month, Lukashenko made another statement regarding Belarus's involvement in the war against Ukraine, claiming that Belarus does not want to fight.
He also said that Russian President Vladimir Putin is allegedly not interested in drawing Belarus into the war against Ukraine.
