Zapad-2021 exercises as a moral shield
Nikolai Shchekin, the Head of the Department of Public Administration Sociology at the National Academy of Sciences’ Institute of Sociology, has shared his view on the upcoming Zapad-2021 military exercises scheduled for September 10th-16th
In his talk to Alfa Radio, the expert commented, “The exercises are needed for the two states’ armies to work out their skill of joint actions. Moreover, they’ll act as a signal for our closest neighbours – Lithuania and Poland – which, as our President has rightly said, provoked the migration crisis. Moreover, Poland has not stopped there and is now using the army to bring migrants and push them into our territory. Around 50-60 years ago, it would have probably resulted in a war. The exercises aim to demonstrate to our so-called democratic partners that they should slow down, come to their senses and realise that we have our own principles, interests and are ready to defend ourselves. This idea was actually voiced at the recent Big Conversation with the President. As for the nervous attitude to our co-operation with Russia, I can say that, firstly, it was they who created such conditions for us to interact even closer. Secondly, whom else can we ask for help and, thirdly, our Baltic ‘friends’ and Poles will not stop but continue their zero-sum policy and new provocations.”
Moreover, Mr. Shchekin believes the upcoming military campaign will once again confirm the defensibleness of Belarusians, “The Zapad-2021 exercises are a moral and psychological shield for Belarusians who should be confident in stability and peace. The President has guaranteed this peace and we are now moving along the legal path. We have our Union State, and the agreements have been signed. We have a legal right to conduct any exercises – that in no way violate the balance in Europe – on our territory.”
