Belarusian leader Alexander Lukashenko has instructed to resolve the issue of creating a “people’s militia” so that everyone knows how to “handle arms” and is ready to respond to an act of aggression against the country and maintain order public in times of peace.
“The situation is not easy. I have already said more than once: every man (and not just a man) should be able, at a minimum, to handle weapons,” Lukashenka said, speaking at a meeting of the Security Council. “At least to, if necessary, protect your family, your home, your native corner of the earth and, if necessary, your country.”
Belarusian Defense Minister Viktor Khrenin said the People’s Militia would consist of 100,000 to 150,000 volunteers, more if needed. Ideally, a paramilitary formation should be present in every town and village.
According to the Military Balance 2022 report prepared by the International Institute for Strategic Studies, the professional army of Belarus has about 48,000 military personnel and about 12,000 border guards.
The United States has repeatedly warned Belarus against interfering in the war in Ukraine, saying it would lead to tougher sanctions.
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