Gathering 'slackers': How Minsk plans to implement Lukashenko's decree on mobilization for the harvest

The Ministry of Defense of Belarus has provided clarifications regarding recent statements by the head of state, Alexander Lukashenko. Defense Minister Viktor Khrenin revealed details on how the President's order to send 'slackers' to the army is planned to be executed. Official Minsk assures that this is not about punitive measures, but rather about improving the quality of combat training for the personnel.

Improving combat training instead of re-education

Viktor Khrenin emphasized that the goal of the campaign is not limited to the forced 're-education' of citizens. According to the minister, the main task is to use this mechanism to improve the skills of military personnel. The department believes that involving civilians in military exercises will help raise the level of their training, which is what the President required from the department.

Mobilization of military commissars

To implement this task, the system of military commissariats will be utilized. Khrenin reported that military commissars in the regions will receive a direct order to begin work. Joint meetings with the heads of local authorities are planned in the near future. At these meetings, a clear sequence of actions and an algorithm for identifying those who need to be recruited for service will be determined.

Particular attention will be paid to leaving the offices. Commissars must personally travel to the fields and agricultural enterprises. Their task is to organize interaction with farmers, provide assistance and support during the harvest campaign, and also control discipline.

Threat for violators of labor discipline

The context for these statements was created the day before, when Alexander Lukashenko spoke with harsh rhetoric. The head of state warned that there are several reasons why civilians could be forcibly transferred to military status. In particular, this concerns violations of labor discipline during the harvest.

Lukashenko noted that responsibility applies to everyone: from ordinary workers to officials at various levels. Those who fail to fulfill their duties risk ending up in military service. Khrenin summarized this position with the phrase: 'Well, and whoever absolutely does not want to work — we will call up for military exercises'.