Alexander Lukashenko calls attention to Belarus’ peaceful policy, as well as on our determination to defend our national interests

The President reaffirmed the principles of our country’s peaceful policy yet announced a strong determination to defend our national interests. He focused attention on this during the Security Council session to discuss the Belarus’ Military Doctrine.

“We can openly reaffirm our peaceful policy and the absence of hostility towards other states. At the same time, we must point out our resolution to defend our national interests, including, if needed, with the help of the entire military organisation of the state,” noted the Belarusian leader. “It means that we do not need the things belonging to others but we will not give up an inch of our land either.” Mr. Lukashenko stressed that there are no direct military threats to Belarus. “Other types of challenges have come to the forefront. However, the proverbial wisdom teaches us to keep our powder dry. This wise saying is still relevant.”

The President emphasised that the new Military Doctrine defines the views of the Belarusian state on ensuring military security and armed defence. He reminded us that the current policy was passed a decade and a half ago. The situation in the world and around Belarus has changed dramatically since then. In particular, tensions between global and regional centres of power in the fight for redistribution of spheres of influence have become aggravated and the willingness to protect geopolitical interests using all tools has increased. “The active use of ‘colour revolutions’ to overthrow legitimate governments has led to an increase in the number of armed conflicts. The method of undermining a state from within has been increasingly used to reach political goals,” explained Mr. Lukashenko.

The President described unstable situations in the world. Iraq has been plunged into chaos, as has Libya and Yemen. The bloodshed in Syria continues. Moreover, the situation in Ukraine has not yet been stabilised. A number of flashpoints have been halted but may break out at any moment.” The President noted that terrorism is widespread across the world, from the European continent to the United States of America, and refugees fleeing wars spread to Europe. He also mentioned the intensification of relations between the Russian Federation and NATO member states, to say the least. “Between them is Belarus, between a rock and a hard place,” said Mr. Lukashenko. He stressed that the threat to global and regional security has not gone away. Meanwhile, further escalation of the situation may have irreparable consequences both for Europe and for all mankind.

The President also drew attention to the fact that there are new phenomena requiring responses. Traditional forms of war are replaced with new ones, including the so-called hybrid warfare. The role of information leverage in shaping public opinion in a given state has increased significantly. Mr. Lukashenko underlined that the analysis of the present-day situation requires adjustments to the country’s national security approaches, including in the military sector.

Last year, the Defence Minister was tasked with exploring all options of possible response with the use of force to contemporary threats taking into account the long-term forecast and reflect this in the new edition of the Military Doctrine, which was accomplished. Mr. Lukashenko suggested discussing the amendments to the document, including the means of conducting an armed struggle, the present military political situation from the perspective of the country’s national security, and the way any external threats could affect the country.

How these threats are dealt with by Belarus needs to be constantly analysed, primarily, by corresponding structures and services in the country and the Security Council in the first instance. The President believes that the provision of stability and security is the major condition of sustainable development of the state and the most vital task for today.