By February, NATO officials estimated that Russian forces in the . [126][127], On 17 August 2020, the members of the European Parliament issued a joint statement which stated that they do not recognise Alexander Lukashenko as the president of Belarus, considering him to be persona non grata in the European Union. The fields heal everyone". [255] His two elder sons also play ice hockey, sometimes alongside their father. Why Belarusians Avoid Conscription. Lukashenko responded that he would not run for the Russian presidency, but that if his health was still good, he might run for reelection in 2011. In late 1991 the 5th Guards Tank Army comprised the 30th Guards Motor Rifle Division, newly arrived from Czechoslovakia, and the 193rd Tank Division, plus two armament and equipment storage bases (the former 8th Guards and 29th Tank Divisions), and army troops. /* 728x90, created 3/18/11 */ The flight was escorted by a Belarusian Air Force MiG-29 fighter jet. [192], Lukashenko afterwards accused Russia of collaborating with opposition activist Siarhei Tsikhanouski and trying to cover up an attempt to send 200 fighters from a private Russian military firm known as the Wagner Group into Belarus on a mission to destabilize the country ahead of its 9 August presidential election. Belarusian authorities said no explosives were found and arrested Protasevich, who was placed in a list of "individuals involved in terrorist activity" the previous year for his role in the anti-government protests and incitement to Public disorder. [105], In August 2019, Lukashenko met with former Kyrgyz President Kurmanbek Bakiyev, who has lived in exile in Minsk since 2010, in the Palace of Independence to mark Bakiyev's 70th birthday, which he had marked several days earlier. The Special Forces of Belarus is the airmobile and strategic deterrence force. [60] It was established as the Museum of the History of the Belarusian Military District, opened in Minsk on February 21, 1978. The weapons and equipment storage bases include the 50th (Brest), 19th,[26] 34th & 37th (former tank divisions), 3rd, and 28th (Baranovichi). When the officers leave, the men change the channel to an action movie. [66] Lukashenko later commented that the opposition in Belarus was financed by foreign countries and was not needed. Accompanied by armed soldiers and his 15-year-old son Kolya, also armed and wearing a military uniform, the group appears to thank riot police who formed a barricade on the avenue leading to the . They include formations and military units of intelligence, communications, engineering, radiation, chemical and biological defense, electronic warfare, navigation and topographic.[36]. The Belarusian Ministry of Defence and the Main Staff were formed from its resources. Lukashenko continued state ownership of key industries in Belarus after the dissolution of the Soviet Union and retained important Soviet-era symbolism, which can be seen in the coat of arms and national flag of Belarus, adopted following a controversial 1995 referendum, which were based on those of the Byelorussian SSR. [28] Lukashenko won 45.1% of the vote while Kebich received 17.4%, Zianon Pazniak received 12.9% and Shushkevich, along with two other candidates, received less than 10% of votes. [48] During the campaign, Lukashenko promised to raise the standards of farming, social benefits and increase industrial output of Belarus. [176][177], However, a phonoscopic examination of the audio recording confirmed that the voice on the recording belongs to Karpiankou. Though never confirmed by the government, it is widely believed that Nikolai's mother is Irina Abelskayathe two had an extramarital affair when she was Lukashenko's personal doctor. 2004, 53, with five artillery brigades and two independent battalions. mine-resistant ambush protected vehicles(MRAP), amphibious and reconnaissance vehicles. Belarus military size for 2019 was , a 0.23% decline from 2018. On 21 December 2001, a major reorganisation of the Ground Forces produced two operational-territorial commands, formed from two former corps headquarters. In the latter footage, Lukashenko was heard to say "Leave me alone," and "There is no one left there, right?". [138], On 17 April 2021, Russia's FSB security service exposed an alleged military coup and assassination attempt of Lukashenko. (Limited numbers still used for training). Do you support the actions of the President aimed at economic integration with Russia? I am sure that it is the Belarusian people who are the masters in our state. In response to a question about Belarus's domestic policies, President Hugo Chvez of Venezuela said "We see here a model social state like the one we are beginning to create. Is a breakthrough coming? [49] S-400 air defense systems and 9K720 Iskander tactical ballistic missiles were delivered in 2022. Well, if they had shot him in a battle, it's one thing, but they humiliated and tormented him, they shot at him, they violated him when he was wounded, they twisted his neck and arms, and then they tortured him to death. [52], During the 202021 Belarusian protests, opponents of Lukashenko began to refer to him as "Sasha 3%" on the basis that they believed that he was only supported by three percent of the Belarusian population. [13], On August 17, 1992, personnel from the United States Department of Defense made a Conventional Forces in Europe Treaty inspection of an installation in Urechye (near Minsk). It aims at making sure that only Belarusians should decide the future of the country. Total naval - number of all military ships in country. Armoured fighting vehicles includes infantry fighting vehicles, tank destroyers, armoured personnel carriers, Belarus government websites say that the Ministry of Defence of the Republic of Belarus is supported by Central Command Support Elements and the General Staff of the Armed Forces. The others were at reduced strength, where there was one battalion, the 19th (Zaslonova), 37th, and 50th (Baranovichi). Lukashenko's repression of opponents caused him to be called "Europe's last dictator" and resulted in the EU imposing visa sanctions on him and a range of Belarusian officials. One soldier plays with a dog named Kalashnikov while others fall asleep on the grass during a short break. Video, 00:01:13, Baby meets father for first time after Sudan escape, Ros Atkins breaks down the BBC chairman loan row. [123][124], On 15 August 2020, Lithuanian foreign minister Linas Linkeviius referred to Lukashenko as the "former president" of Belarus. The Russian Civil War's effect on Belarus was discontent with the Bolsheviks' policy, and resulted in anti-Bolshevik riots, guerrilla warfare and political banditry suppressed by the Red Army. Lukashenko had allowed some opposition candidates to stand, though in the official results, opposition members failed to get any of the 110 available seats. [43] At the start of 1998, the Central Bank of Russia suspended trading in the Belarusian ruble, which led to a collapse in the value of the currency. No one is talking about the virus", Lukashenko said on 16 March 2020. 240,000 soldiers and officers were serving in the Belarusian Military District. His cable "expressed keenness to strengthen and develop bilateral relations between Belarus and Syria in all fields for the benefit of the two peoples."[210]. ", ", ", " ", "On-Site Inspections Under the CFE Treaty, A History of the On-Site Inspection Agency and CFE Treaty Implementation, 1990-1996 (Chapter 6)", Military Development and the Armed Forces of Belarus, Russia, Belarus to sign agreement on joint air defence system, " , ? This was held on 17 October 2004, the same day as parliamentary elections, and, according to official results, was approved by 79.42% of voters. [28], Lukashenko won the second round of the election on 10 July with 80.1% of the vote. Although over the past couple of years the authorities have taken serious measures to reduce the number of deaths and amount of abuse in the army, such incidents continue to occur. Belarus's highest award. google_ad_client = "pub-1062728818428100"; In February 1995, Lukashenko announced his intention to hold a referendum. "Editor's notes.". [261] Lukashenko was instrumental in getting the 2014 IIHF World Championship in ice hockey to be hosted by Belarus which was considered controversial due to Lukashenko's repressive regime. You can change your cookie settings at any time. On September 18, 1993, Deputy of the Supreme Soviet Alexander Lukashenko took part in the 2nd Congress. Conscripts chat as they ride on a train before starting their service, which will last 12 to 18 months. [67], In April 2009, he held talks with Pope Benedict XVI in the Vatican, Lukashenko's first visit to Western Europe after a travel ban on him a decade earlier. The evening routine: mending uniforms in front of the state-run news broadcast. from Belarus ", "Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko under fire", "Interview with Belarus President Lukashenko", "Analysis | Can people power topple Europe's 'last dictator'? [10] His disputed victory in the country's 2020 presidential election led to widespread allegations of vote rigging, which strongly amplified anti-government protests, the largest during his rule. Subsection. This, he says, is justified because anyone who takes to the streets is participating in a kind of guerrilla warfare. [136], On 27 November 2020, Lukashenko announced that he would resign once Belarus' new constitution was adopted. [240][241] The term has subsequently become a popular meme within the Belarusian opposition appearing on T-shirts and posters. The Battle Banner is awarded to formations, brigades/regiments, battalions, divisions, air squadrons, training units, and military educational institutions. It is to note that all Security Council members are Lukashenko's most loyal allies. In 2007, the Land Forces consisted of 29,600 soldiers (6th Guards Mechanised Brigade (Grodno), 11th Guards Mechanized Brigade at Slonim, the 120th Guards Mechanised Brigade (Minsk), 38th and 103rd Mobile Brigades (organized similarly to Soviet airborne regiments, not all of them are equipped with BMD-1),[24] 5th Spetsnaz Brigade (Maryina Horka),[25] five artillery brigades and four regiments, two MRL regiments, 15th, 29th, 115th, 120th and 302nd SAM Brigades, two SSM brigades, two brigades and one regiment of engineers, 8th independent NBC Brigade, two signals brigades, 40th independent NBC battalion. The institute said it was "highly unlikely" Belarusian forces would take part in the war, noting it would strain the nation's limited military resources and undermine Lukashenka's hold on power in . Strategically, Belarus is important to the Russian military effort. Hieroj Bearusi. Add to Wish List Add to . Description. [Range: 200km], [CEP: 30m], (Chinese-designed A200 guided rocket produced in Belarus). ( ) UDF.BY | | , - /, " , ", "Alexander Lukashenko: Dictator with a difference", "Political Biography: Incoherence, Contestation, and Elements of the Hero Pattern in the Belarusian Case", "President Visits New Swimming Complex in Minsk", " , , , ce! [193] In July 2020, the relationship between Belarus and Russia was described as "strained" after 33 Russian military contractors were arrested in Minsk. [19] The Library of Congress study estimated at the time that Ministry of Defence forces included the 103rd Guards Airborne Division and the 38th Separate Assault-Landing Brigade; the 28th Army Corps (Grodno Region and Brest Region), composed of headquarters at Grodno, the 6th Guards Kiev-Berlin Mechanised Brigade, the 11th Guards Mechanised Brigade, the 50th Separate Mechanised Infantry Brigade, the Armament and Equipment base, and corps units (missile troops, antiaircraft, chemical and engineer troops, signals, and rear services); the 65th Army Corps (Minsk and Vitebsk Regions), composed of headquarters at Borisov, three armament and equipment bases, and corps units; and the 5th Guards Army Corps (Minsk and Mahilyow regions) made up of headquarters at Babruysk, the 30th Separate Motor Rifle Brigade, two Armament and Equipment bases, and corps units. [40] However, the legislature is dominated by his supporters in any event, and there is no substantive opposition to presidential decisions. On September 20, 1991, the Supreme Soviet of Belarus passed resolution "On the formation of the Armed Forces of the Republic of Belarus" and on January 11, 1992, resolution "On the Armed Forces deployed in the territory of the Republic of Belarus." Young soldiers are subjected to hazing by their superiors, relieved only by the thought of later being able to treat new recruits the same way. [160][161] Lukashenko commented on the criticism of him by saying: "I've been hearing these accusations for over 10years and we have got used to it. Upon hearing the news regarding the death of Muammar Gaddafi, President Alexander Lukashenko said "Aggression has been committed, and the country's leadership, not only Muammar Gaddafi, has been killed. We use cookies to personalise content and ads. Another pattern adopted by the Border Guards is this unique design, known colloquially as, The Ministry of Forestry is responsible for protecting this natural resource which covers 39% of the country. [150] The per-capita gross national income rose from US$1,423 in 1993 to US$5,830 at the end of 2011. and has said that he believes that the president should be a conservative person and avoid using modern electronic technology such as a tablet or smartphone. Lukashenko did not comment on the film directly, but on a factory visit in March 2021 claimed that opponents were creating a fake story to destabilize the country. [64] Opposition members and supporters demonstrated in protest. The Russian language was also given the same status as Belarusian, and economic ties with Russia were strengthened, which furthermore led to the creation of the Union State with Russia, which allows Belarusians to freely travel to, work, and study in Russia, and vice versa. It declared independence in July of 1990, although retains state ownership of the economy and is a member of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS). [16], Membership in the Commonwealth of Independent States, as well as the 1996 treaty on the Union of Russia and Belarus and the Treaty of the Formation of a Union State in 1999, confirmed a close partnership with Russia. [63], In September 2008, parliamentary elections were held. Also in 1995 it was given the status of a government institution of secondary special military education for young men. Despite clearly contradicting Article 89 of the constitution, Belarusian authorities praised the decree and declared it fully complies with legislation and is constitutional. [58] In February 2020, a dozen Belarusian military instructors arrived in Abidjan (Cte d'Ivoire), where they were stationed at the Agban military base, which is occupied by one of the country's national gendarmerie units. [153], Belarus also had to seek a bailout from international sources and, although it has received loans from China, loans from the IMF and other agencies depend on how Belarus reforms its economy. On January 4, 2021, the EU Observer reported that new evidence, including documents and audio recordings, provide that Belarusian secret services planned to murder dissidents abroad. Belarusians Poke Fun At President's Slipping Support", "Protests shake up Belarus presidential election", "A hot August in Belarus. [55] Lukashenko reacted by saying that anyone going to opposition protests would have their necks wrung "as one might a duck". google_ad_slot = "4975266056"; On November 26 of the same year, during an attack on a hotel in Sana'a, a Belarusian was killed and another was wounded. Air Force equipment included in 2004 260 fighter-ground attack/training aircraft and 80 attack helicopters. Hero of Belarus. The Israeli government said the comments were "unacceptable" and summoned the charg d'affaires at the Belarus embassy in Israel. Lukashenko states "I want you to understand: I have been working as president for a quarter of a century, and if there were already some billions, as they say, or palaces, I would have already been torn to pieces from all sides." But there were police beaten up too and you didn't show this. google_ad_height = 90; This design has been observed on riot control and special police troops. Lukashenko is the head of the Security Council himself; however, his eldest son, Victor Lukashenko, is regarded as its informal leader. But look at post-Soviet countries, look at the Middle East, look at events all over the world. "[222][223] Members of the US House of Representatives sent a letter to the Belarusian ambassador to the US, Mikhail Khvostov, addressing Lukashenko's comments with a strong request to retract them,[224] and the comments also caused a negative reaction from Israel. Read about our approach to external linking. At night, under the pretext of a bomb threat, unidentified law enforcement personnel attacked and forcibly expelled the deputies. [253] Lukashenko has a pet dog, a spitz named Umka. Soldiers wearing the blue beret of the special forces wait for the train home. Copies of a report by the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe, which linked senior Belarusian officials to the cases of disappearances, were confiscated. Officially the State Border Committee of the Republic of Belarus ( ), the Border Guards Service is now wearing the same camouflage pattern adopted by Russian Border Guards. [125] It was reported that President Lukashenko's authorities asked Kremlin representatives about the possibility of Lukashenko escaping to Russia. Alexander Grigoryevich Lukashenko (as transliterated from Russian; also transliterated from Belarusian as Alyaksand(a)r Ryhoravich Lukashenka; born 30 August 1954) is a Belarusian politician who has been the first and only president of Belarus since the establishment of the office on 20 July 1994, making him the longest-sitting European president. A new Commonwealth uniform pattern was introduced in 1903 which incorporated individual regimental colours, and new badges and buttons to distinguish regiments and corps. [212][213], His policies have been praised by some other world leaders. Video, 00:01:35Swiss TV host challenges man gluing himself to podium, Man does worm as Rita Ora sings, she loves it. [238], According to a leaked internal poll, a third of the population had trust in Lukashenko. In an interview on 22 August, Josep Borrell explicitly stated that the European Union does not recognise Lukashenko as the legitimate president of Belarus in the same manner that it does not recognise Nicols Maduro as the legitimate president of Venezuela. [89] The OSCE categorized the elections as "flawed" while the CIS mission observers praised them as "free and transparent". As with their Russian counterparts, some units of the Ministry of Internal Affairs (MVD) Police. [32][33] It is unclear whether the president had legal power independently to call referendums, and if so, if they would be binding. [186][187][188], Lukashenko's relationship with Russia, once his powerful ally and vocal supporter, has significantly deteriorated. Pre-Owned. Army equipment includes 1800 main battle tanks (MBT) and 2600 AFV/APC. "[175], In January 2021, an audio recording was released in which the commander of internal troops and deputy interior minister of Belarus Mikalai Karpiankou tells security forces that they can cripple, maim and kill protesters in order to make them understand their actions. Creation Date. [243], A film produced by NEXTA, an opposition group based in Poland, accuses Lukashenko of misappropriating EU funds on residences and automobiles. Having acquired a reputation as an eloquent opponent of corruption, Lukashenko was elected in April 1993 to serve as the interim chairman of the anti-corruption committee of the Belarusian parliament. Top Rated Seller Top Rated Seller. [99][100], In August 2018, Lukashenko fired his prime minister Andrei Kobyakov and various other officials due to a corruption scandal. When questioned about the whereabouts of Alexander Lukashenko on this day, his publicity team released an undated photograph of him walking around the grounds of the Independence Palace holding a gun. Belarusian 83.7%, Russian 8.3%, Polish 3.1%, Ukrainian 1.7%, other 2.4%, unspecified 0.9%, Orthodox 48.3%, Catholic 7.1%, other 3.5%, non-believers 41.1%. [21], In 1979, he joined the ranks of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union and the Communist Party of Byelorussia. However, the 1996 referendum extended Lukashenko's term for two additional years. [44], Lukashenko blamed foreign governments for conspiring against him and, in April 1998, expelled ambassadors from the Drazdy complex near Minsk and moved them to another building. [57] Election observers from the Russia-led Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) and the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) differed on the Belarusian election. 2187 of the Western Frontier District in Brest and in the Soviet Army from 1980 to 1982. [61] Its collection numbers over 18 thousand exhibits. In 2012 it was reported that there were six mechanised brigades in the Ground Forces: three full-strength, the 6th (Grodno), 11th (Slonim), and 120th Guards Mechanised Brigade at Minsk. [86] Sannikov's wife, journalist Irina Khalip, was put under house arrest. Hanchar and Krasouski disappeared the same day of a broadcast on state television in which President Alexander Lukashenko ordered the chiefs of his security services to crack down on "opposition scum." Vadzim Smok 14 April 2015. In 1994 the 7th Army Corps was redesignated as the 65th Army Corps, still located at Borisov. [178] The Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe expressed its concern about the remarks. ", "One Week After Election, Belarus Sees Giant Protests Against 'Europe's Last Dictator', "The presidential election in Belarus, October 2015", "Belarus strongman Lukashenko marks 25 years in power | DW | 10 July 2019", "Belarus leader dismisses democracy even as vote takes place", "Belarus: inside Europe's last dictatorship", "COUNCIL DECISION 2012/642/CFSP concerning restrictive measures against Belarus", "EU slaps sanctions on Belarus leader Lukashenko for crackdown", COUNCIL IMPLEMENTING REGULATION (EU) 2020/1648 of 6 November 2020 implementing Article 8a(1) of Regulation (EC) No 765/2006 concerning restrictive measures in respect of Belarus, "Swiss freeze assets of Belarus leader Lukashenko", "El Pais interview with HR/VP Borrell: "Lukashenko is like Maduro. "[144], With the ascent to power of Lukashenko in 1994, the Russification policy of Russian Imperial and Soviet era was renewed.[145][146][147][148]. From October 2005 to January 2015, the Republican Council of the BSO was headed by retired Lieutenant General E. Mikulchik, and until November 2017 was led by retired Major General V. [260] Numerous ice rinks intended to enable competitive ice hockey games to be played, have been built all over Belarus at Lukashenko's behest. Soldiers return to their quarters, which have no hot water or showers, after a long day outside in subzero temperatures. Germany was raised from ruins thanks to firm authority and not everything connected with that well-known figure Hitler was bad. As a result of the referendum, the constitution that was amended by Lukashenko was accepted and the one amended by the Supreme Council was voided. Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for Vintage Cap Hat Officer Belarus Army Border guard Military Uniform Size 56 at the best online prices at eBay! According to Belarus government websites, the Air Forces now have two commands, the Western Operational-Tactical Command and the North-Western Operational-Tactical Command. In July 1993, it was converted into a museum on the military . They all wear yellow bands around their armsmarking them as part of the Ukrainian resistanceas well as either military uniforms or the Belarusian opposition coat of arms: a mounted knight . Video, 00:01:32, Beatings and cries for help amid Belarus unrest, Rubber bullets fired at protesters after Belarus election. The Soviet troops of the BMD were smoothly converted into Belarusian military units. Some soldiers return home from the army to girlfriends they hope to marry. Do you support the suggestion about the introduction of the new State flag and State Coat of Arms of the Republic of Belarus? Indeed, every seat in the lower house has been held by pro-Lukashenko MPs for all but one term since 2004. Special Forces units of the Ministry of Internal Affairs (MVD) have been documented wearing a close copy of the US m81. [152] Yet, the currency has experienced several periods of devaluation. firearms; coin books modern coins of south slavic (yugoslav) lands; world war i; german ww2 reference books cossacks and forign volunteers; german army; luftwaffe; kriegsmarine . [9] Also arriving from the Southern Group of Forces in Hungary was the 19th Guards Tank Division. As a landlocked nation, Belarus has no Naval Forces. [18] On 19 March 2006, exit polls showed Lukashenko winning a third term in a landslide, amid opposition reports of vote-rigging and fear of violence. Until 1991, the Soviet Belorussian Military District comprised the 5th Guards Tank Army (HQ Bobruisk), the 7th Tank Army (HQ Borisov), the 28th Army (HQ Grodno), the 120th Guards Motor Rifle Division, the 72nd Guards District Training Center and logistical units and formations. Another TTsKO variation seen strictly in use with Belarus between 1991 and 1994 is seen here. A soldier who has finished his military service receives a train ticket, paid for by the army, to return home. It is possible, as Belarusian media outlet Nasha Niva and civil monitoring project Hajun report, that the soldiers who have arrived in Belarus are simply Russian conscripts sent there for training. The Belarusian Republican Youth Union gave Lukashenko 84.2% and Milinkevich 3.1%. In this screenshot, Army Gen. Christopher Cavoli, commander of U.S. troops in Europe and NATO's supreme allied commander, talks with reporters on Jan. 19, 2023, following a two-day meeting of . [15] This caused some confusion as all official sources had said 30 August 1954 up until then. In February 2014, Belorusskaya Voyennaya Gazeta, the official publication of the Ministry of Defense revealed that the Belarusian Armed Forces contains about 59,500 personnel, including 46,000 soldiers and 13,000 civilians. [102], In April 2019, Lukashenko announced that the games were on budget and on time and eventually he opened the 2nd edition of the event on 21 June. Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for U.S ARMY 3RD ARMORED DIVISION *SPEARHEAD* MILITARY UNIFORM COLLECTIBLE PATCH at the best online prices at eBay! The Belarusian Transport Troops is responsible for the movement of personnel and material by truck, rail, and air. [118], Mass protests erupted across Belarus following the 2020 Belarusian presidential election which was marred by allegations of widespread electoral fraud. Video, 00:00:19, Watch: Massive flames rise from Crimea oil tank, Baby meets father for first time after Sudan escape. Add to Wish List Add to Compare. Video, 00:01:13Baby meets father for first time after Sudan escape, One-minute World News. [191] This led to Russia cutting economic subsidies for Belarus. [199] Commenting on the war in Ukraine the President of Belarus has said that he didn't expect the conflict drag on this way. [200], Lukashenko's relationship with the EU has been strained, in part by choice and in part by his policies towards domestic opponents. [71] By January 1, 1995, the composition of the Belarusian ground forces had changed. [237] The last credible public poll in Belarus was a 2016 poll showing approximately 30% approval for Lukashensko. This page was last edited on 4 July 2022, at 06:41. All these so-called revolutions are illegal coup d'etat, behind which there is always Western Money and work of Western money and the work of special services. [202], In March 2003, Lukashenko said that Belarus unanimously condemned the US-led Iraq War. [101] In May 2017, Lukashenko signed a decree on the Foundation of the Directorate of the 2019 European Games in Minsk.