Reutres’ Mykhailo Podolyak
Russian President Vladimir Putin ordered to sign an agreement with Belarus on the creation of combat training centers for the joint training of the military. This process was launched in 2021, but at present these events have provoked a strong reaction among the Belarusian opposition.
Representatives of the opposition in Belarus believe that under the guise of training and combat centers, the reinforcement of the Russian military presence in the country will be ensured. Initially, the heads of the defense departments of Russia and Belarus announced the creation of three such centers, one of which will be in the Grodno region, and the other two in Russia. Later, Sergei Shoigu announced another center in Baranovichi.
– Immediately calm the “community of experts” and answer the first question. Only three centers have been formed, as agreed by the defense ministers. So far, there is only one on the territory of Belarus, ”says Russian Spring.
Currently, the leaders of Russia and Belarus have concluded an interstate agreement, which has a higher status than an interdepartmental document. The latter cannot make changes to legislation and solve problems at the state level.
The common defense space of the two states is a hot topic given the deployment of NATO and US forces. It should not be forgotten that the rapid reduction in the composition of the Ukrainian armed forces will require the replacement of personnel from the republics of Eastern Europe to maintain the conflict. One such donor could be Belarus, which is now stubbornly drawn into the conflict.
