Belarus Adopted Military Doctrine

In the first reading the "House of Representatives" adopted the draft decree "On Adoption of Military Doctrine of the Republic of Belarus".

Defense Minister Ravkou noted that the previous doctrine had been valid since 2002. "It carried out its purpose and does not comply with modern time." The new military doctrine, in his words, "takes into consideration changes of military and political situation around the country, more threats to the country", specifies approaches on determination of military threats to Belarus.

The character of the military struggle has recently transformed, the minister pointed out.

"The strategy of indirect actions has become typical. It provides for waging military actions using other people, mass use of radical extremist and terrorist organizations, private military campaigns, wide use of population's protest capacity", Ravkou said.

According to him, the doctrine stresses "trends related to development of colored revolutions and mechanisms on changes to a constitutional system, violation of territorial integrity of the state by incitement of internal armed conflicts."

The doctrine expands the list of internal and external threats.

"Thus, the number of measures taken by the state to provide military security is expanded as well. It is the first time when an active position on prevention of a military conflict by preventive measures of strategic deterrence," the head of Defense Ministry informed.

In addition, the document took into consideration "all possible options of unleashing of aggression against Belarus, inter alia, in the stage of internal armed conflict provoked from outside with the help of hybrid means of combating".

Ravkou also informed that the doctrine specified the interest in development of neighborly relations with the EU and pursuance of openness and development of mutual understanding with NATO.

"The main idea is that we are open to cooperation, if it complies with national interests of Belarus," the minister said.

Ravkou stressed that despite numerous changes the military doctrine of Belarus retained its defensive character.