by
May 23 – May 29, 2022
Security issues

On the issue of creating the Southern Operational Command of the Belarusian Army

The situation has not changed
On the issue of creating the Southern Operational Command of the Belarusian Army
Image: president.gov.by

The decision to form a new operational command indicates that Minsk considers the expansion of the current Russian-Ukrainian war as a genuine possibility – the geographical orientation is of secondary significance.

On May 26th, Lukashenka declared that it was necessary to form a Southern Operational Command of Ground Forces, linking this decision with the current Russian-Ukrainian war and alleged threats to Belarus from Ukrainian territory. The formation of this command was publicly announced on January 21st, 2022, but the decision itself predates this.

Due to inadequate numbers, it is impossible to form a new operational command by redistributing existing units, so increased troop numbers with associated infrastructure investments and maintenance will be required. Announced revisions of army modernisation priorities to reduce costs are due to the need to redistribute resources for the formation and maintenance of the new command. Probably, the ongoing inspection of military equipment and weapons in long-term storage aims to prepare the material base for new units.

The formation of the Southern Operational Command of the Belarusian Ground Forces confirms that the Belarusian regime considers a regional war a genuine possibility. Although this decision will cause nervousness in Kyiv, it is not directed against Ukraine; Minsk is preparing for an armed confrontation with the West. Lukashenka previously claimed that Poland plans to annex western Ukraine bordering Belarus and expressed readiness to help Ukrainians defend themselves against Polish imperialists. Such is the worldview of the Belarusian regime.

Reduced funding for the modernisation of the Belarusian army means less Russian support (financial and logistical) than Minsk expected. Even though the Belarusian regime remains the only de facto military ally, the Kremlin maintain its previous strategy of refusing to help post-Soviet countries significantly increase their military capabilities.

You have been successfully subscribed

Subscribe to our newsletter

Once a week, in coordination with a group of prominent Belarusian analysts, we provide analytical commentaries on the most topical and relevant issues, including the behind-the-scenes processes occurring in Belarus. These commentaries are available in Belarusian, Russian, and English.
EN
BE/RU
Subscribe

Situation in Belarus

October 28 – November 3
View all

Subscribe to us

Read more