'The time has come' — Belarus's Lukashenko inspects troops, says army 'needs shaking up'

Live updates

1. 31d ago

   Lukashenko inspects troops, says Belarus army 'needs shaking up'

   Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko has ordered a readiness check of the country's armed forces for mobilization, stating that the army 'needs shaking up'. This development occurs amid ongoing restructuring of the Belarusian military and efforts to seek removal of remaining U.S. sanctions. Lukashenko recently released hundreds of political prisoners through U.S.-mediated deals. The move comes as Russia continues its invasion of Ukraine, with recent reports of utilizing Belarusian relay stations and LTE networks to coordinate attacks.

   Why it matters

   The Belarusian military's readiness and potential involvement in the conflict in Ukraine have raised concerns among international observers. Lukashenko's government has been working to restructure the military and improve relations with the U.S. The country has been a key ally for Russia in the region.

   What is confirmed

   • The Armed Forces of Belarus need to be checked for readiness for mobilization.
   • Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko ordered a surprise combat-readiness inspection of the country’s armed forces.

   What to watch next

   • Outcome of the Belarusian military readiness check
   • Potential impact on U.S. sanctions
   • Further developments in Russia's invasion of Ukraine
   Sources used for this update (4)

   1. www.newsnow.co.uk — Ukraine News Today Live | War with Russia - NewsNow » Belarus
   2. en.bb.lv — “The Time Has Come.” Lukashenko Ordered a Readiness Check of ...
   3. www.europesays.com — Belarus Orders Surprise Military Readiness Check as CIA Chief ...
   4. bb.lv — «Пришло время». Лукашенко приказал проверить армию на ...
   confidence 100%
2. 44d ago

   Kyiv claims Russia used Belarusian networks for drone attacks

   Kyiv reports that Russia utilized Belarusian relay stations and LTE networks to coordinate a mass attack of hundreds of petrol-powered drones against northwestern Ukraine on September 12. This development occurs as Alexander Lukashenko continues to restructure the Belarusian military and seek the removal of remaining U.S. sanctions. Lukashenko has recently released hundreds of political prisoners through U.S.-mediated deals following the return of President Donald Trump to the White House.

   Why it matters

   Belarus maintains a complex position, providing technical support for Russian strikes while attempting to normalize diplomatic ties with the United States. These actions contrast with Lukashenko's previous assertions that attacking neighbors would be death.

   What is confirmed

   • Russia launched hundreds of petrol-powered drones at northwestern Ukraine on September 12.
   • Lukashenko released hundreds of political prisoners through U.S.-mediated deals.

   Still unconfirmed

   • Russia used Belarusian LTE networks and relay stations for mass drone attacks on Ukraine.
   • Lukashenko is pushing for the lifting of remaining U.S. sanctions.

   What to watch next

   • Official Belarusian response to the LTE network allegations
   • Further U.S.-mediated prisoner releases or sanction removals
   Sources used for this update (3)

   1. www.yahoo.com — Russia using Belarusian LTE networks, relay stations for mass drone attacks on Ukraine, Kyiv says
   2. kyivindependent.com — Russia using Belarusian LTE networks, relay stations for mass drone attacks on Ukraine, Kyiv says
   3. www.pbs.org — Belarus' authoritarian leader Lukashenko meets U.S. envoy to push for lifting remaining sanctions
   confidence 80%
3. 48d ago

   Lukashenko orders military review and considers mobilization

   Belarusian leader Alexander Lukashenko has initiated a full military review to "shake up" the army. The review includes the possibility of mobilization. While Lukashenko has indicated a need for military readiness and the production of modern communications equipment, he stated that attacking neighboring countries would be "tantamount to death." This internal military restructuring suggests a shift in Belarusian force readiness despite the leader's public claims against initiating an offensive.

   Why it matters

   Belarus maintains a close strategic alliance with Russia. This military review occurs as regional tensions persist and the Belarusian army seeks modernization.

   What is confirmed

   • Alexander Lukashenko has ordered a full military review of the Belarusian army.
   • Lukashenko stated that the army needs shaking up.
   • The military review includes the possibility of mobilization.

   Still unconfirmed

   • Lukashenko claimed that attacking neighbors would be tantamount to death.
   • Lukashenko asserted that Belarus knows how to produce modern military communications equipment.

   What to watch next

   • Official decrees regarding the start of military mobilization
   • Deployment of Belarusian troops to borders
   • Updates on the production of new communications hardware
   Sources used for this update (6)

   1. Kyiv Post — Lukashenko Floats Mobilization, Says Attacking Neighbors Would Be ‘Tantamount to Death’
   2. Українська правда — Belarusian leader Lukashenko decides to inspect his army again: Time has come to shake it up, including mobil
   3. UNITED24 Media — Belarusian Leader Orders Full Military Review “Right Up to Mobilisation”
   4. The Kyiv Independent — 'The time has come' — Belarus's Lukashenko inspects troops, says army 'needs shaking up'
   5. news.by — "We know how to do this" — Lukashenko on the production of modern military communications equipment
   6. kyivindependent.com — General Staff: Russia has lost 1,505,380 troops in Ukraine since Feb. 24, 2022
   confidence 90%