Opinions & Interviews

Alexander Lukashenko reminded of a well-known historical truth which says that wars are won by nations. “As the centuries-old experience shows, only nationwide defense can guarantee effective protection of the state,” the head of state stressed. The territorial defense system was created in the country ten years ago and has been developed since then.

At present the Belarusian government needs to resolve a number of topical issues in the economy and social sector. But as Alexander Lukashenko said, one should not forget about the constant readiness to protect the Fatherland. The session of the Security Council held in January 2016 focused on the new draft Military Doctrine which aims to introduce a preventive complex of measures to ensure military security. One of the measures is to improve territorial defense. “Governors, the Minsk mayor are personally responsible for the organization of territorial defense in the regions and in Minsk. You should do your best to deepen your knowledge and skills in this area, organize the training of personnel,” the President told those present at the meeting.

The head of state focused on the main aspects of the territorial defense development. Speaking about the number and composition of the personnel, Alexander Lukashenko stressed that it is essential to determine the exact number of territorial forces that are needed to repel a military threat. The President did not exclude that the tasks of territorial forces many be expanded; probably, the number of objects they will have to protect will be increased. According to the head of state, it is needed to analyze the current state of affairs in territorial defense. Alexander Lukashenko expressed confidence that in the period of threat or the military period local authorities will be able to deploy these forces. “But there should be a nucleus which could be deployed immediately,” the head of state said.

It is also needed to take into account the economic capacity of administrative districts as well as the mobilization component. “In other words, we need to find a golden middle to make sure that the territorial defense sector will fulfill its tasks on the one hand and not to do harm to the local economy and life safety systems. Having the optimal composition of these troops, we must be sure that in case of a military threat the situation in the regions will be under control,“ Alexander Lukashenko said.

“We cannot engage all able-bodied men in territorial defense. And it is not necessary,” the head of state concluded.