Belarus calls up reservists for snap military drills
Reservists responding to a call-up (Photo: Belarusian Defense Ministry)
Men in western Belarus
are receiving sudden, unplanned military summonses for training that have set
off a wave of alarm on social media, Ukrainian public broadcaster Suspilne reported
on Feb. 19.
According to social media posts cited by the report, locals complain the calls come with little notice and sometimes include fathers of large families.
Women in Grodno have posted that their husbands were ordered to report immediately, leaving families unprepared. She asked online whether men with three children could be called up; commenters said even men with four or more children, and some who never served, have also been summoned.
Yana Petrash, a mother of three who is on maternity leave, posted that her husband received a summons telling him to appear Feb. 19, at 8 a.m. with documents and luggage at a designated spot.
Oleksandr Bindei, who formerly served in Belarusian border troops, posted a photo of his summons and said almost everyone he knows had received one.
The investigative team at Suspilne noted the level of public concern was greater than in previous summons rounds. Reporters for Belarusian opposition outlet Zerkalo contacted military recruitment offices, which confirmed that summonses are being issued urgently, unlike earlier practice, when men were usually given a week to report. When asked why the rush, officials referred inquiries to the defense ministry.
Belarusian conscription offices suggested the urgency may be part of a check of mobilization readiness rather than planned training. Under Belarusian law, mandatory drills can last up to two months, and the total time spent in training should not exceed 12 months over the period a reservist is in the reserve.
A source in the team of opposition leader Sviatlana
Tsikhanouskaya, who asked not to be named, told Suspilne there is no reason for
Ukraine to be worried: Belarusian dictator Alexander Lukashenko is reportedly
anxious after events in Venezuela and wants assurance that the armed forces are
loyal and prepared.
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