Belarus eyes bigger military arsenal amid Eastern European tensions

Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko has underlined the imperative of bolstering the country’s defence capabilities, during a meeting focused on the procurement of equipment for the Armed Forces and the development of the national military-industrial complex, BelTA reports.

Speaking to officials, Lukashenko emphasized that “only a state capable of ensuring its own military security can be considered self-sufficient.”

He added, “Whether we like it or not, we will have to strengthen our defence capabilities. I have long warned the Belarusian people about this, and you are even more aware of it.”

The president highlighted regional security concerns, pointing to military activity near Belarusian borders. “The military build-up near our borders, particularly in Poland, does more than just concern us. We understand that such actions are not taken without reason. People do not simply spend money on tanks and ammunition for no purpose,” Lukashenko said.

He further linked Belarus’ defence priorities to the broader security environment, referencing Russia’s ongoing military operation. “Therefore, in light of the special military operation by the Russian Federation, I made the decision at the time to strengthen our defence capabilities on an even larger scale,” the president stated.

By Vafa Guliyeva