Minsk, Belarus (TEH) – In a significant development, Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko has given his approval to a bilateral agreement with Russia, paving the way for the establishment of combat training centers aimed at facilitating joint military exercises. The announcement was made via the official website of the Belarusian president on July 17.
The concept of such training centers was initially brought up by Defense Minister Viktor Khrenin during a meeting of the Belarusian parliament’s lower house in late June. Khrenin emphasized that these centers would primarily focus on organizing “joint combat training” and the exchange of invaluable expertise in the utilization of weapons and military equipment.
The agreement, which was signed by representatives from Russia and Belarus in Minsk towards the end of March, received the green light from Russian President Vladimir Putin in January 2023. The agreement is expected to come into effect once both parties have duly informed each other of the completion of their respective internal procedures. Notably, in late 2022, Valery Revenko, the head of the international military cooperation department at the Belarusian Ministry of Defense, revealed that three centers were already in operation – one in Russia and two in Belarus. By means of a corresponding decree, the President of Belarus has now given his seal of approval to the draft agreement with the Russian Federation concerning the establishment and functioning of joint training and combat centers.
In mid-July 2023, the Belarusian Ministry of Defense disclosed that members of the Wagner Private Military Company (PMC) participated in exercises alongside Belarusian regional troops at a training facility near the town of Osipovichi, located in the Mogilev Region. The recruits were trained in various essential skills, including tactical maneuvering, shooting techniques, engineering proficiency, and tactical medicine. The Wagner PMC’s fighters played the role of instructors, imparting their knowledge across a wide range of military disciplines.
Soldiers who appeared on the Belarusian channel’s television news praised the PMC fighters, referring to them as “highly educated individuals” who possess a wealth of knowledge. President Alexander Lukashenko declared that dedicated camps for the Wagner PMC have yet to be established in the republic; however, he assured that the warriors would be provided with suitable accommodations.
Earlier in July, the Gray Zone military telegraph channel released photographs of the base near Osipovichi, indicating that certain units of the Wagner PMC had commenced “offensive operations under the guise of artillery” as well as engaging in tank maneuvers and handling heavy equipment.
Chiefs of General Staffs of Belarus&Russia discussed operation of Bel.-Rus. regional military force, military exercise Zapad2021, joint training of military personnel, in particular, in joint combat training centers of Belarus and Russia.https://t.co/lfJ3WKgGRu
— KAS Belarus (@KasBelarus) March 31, 2021
On July 6, President Lukashenko confirmed that several former military camps had been offered to the Wagner PMC, including one in the vicinity of Osipovichi. However, the PMC expressed a “different vision for resettlement.” Additionally, Lukashenko stated that the issue of redeployment and the establishment of the PMC’s presence rested with the Russian leadership.
On July 7, the Ministry of Defense of Belarus clarified that the camp near Osipovichi had been constructed for training purposes related to the deployment of the territorial defense system, and the Wagner warriors had not arrived to utilize it.
This latest development underscores the growing collaboration between Belarus and Russia in the military domain, aimed at enhancing their joint capabilities and readiness. The establishment of combat training centers will undoubtedly contribute to strengthening the strategic partnership between the two nations, while also serving as a platform for fostering mutual understanding and shared expertise.
