A new wave of tension is brewing in Belarus regarding mobilization plans. Alexander Lukashenko, in his Telegram channel 'Pool of the First', announced a tough directive: citizens who fail to fulfill their duties will be forcibly transferred to military service. Emphasis is placed on sending such individuals specifically to the border with Ukraine.
Who will be affected by the order?
According to the head of state, the order affects not only ordinary employees of enterprises but also officials at all levels. Lukashenko highlighted several 'offenses' that could serve as grounds for conscription. According to him, this concerns those who 'do not know how to work'.
"Pass on my instruction to the Minister of Defense, Viktor Khrenin: everyone who does not know how to work — to the army and to the southern border. Into the forest. There, our guys, the Special Forces, are dispersed along the Ukrainian border by my order," Lukashenko stated.
One week of preparation — and to the front
Lukashenko paid special attention to the preparation period. He promised that within a week, such people could be sent to the Special Forces (SSO) as regular soldiers. "One week of preparation – a grenade launcher, a machine gun – and there, at the disposal of the Special Forces," he emphasized.
This initiative has raised serious concerns among civilian experts and human rights activists. Many believe that such measures could be used as a tool of pressure against dissenters or inefficient workers.
"We do not plan to attack"
Despite the harsh wording, Lukashenko reiterated that Belarus does not plan aggression against its neighbors. "This does not mean that we are planning to attack anyone. We are not attacking anyone; we are ensuring our security," he stated.
These words come in the context of Lukashenko's previous statements that Belarus does not want to fight with Ukraine. In early July, he also claimed that Vladimir Putin is not interested in dragging the republic into the conflict.
Public reaction
Lukashenko's statement has caused a wide resonance in society. Many citizens express concern that, under the pretext of "ensuring security," citizens' rights may be violated. The idea of forcibly transferring people from civilian to military structures without clear legal grounds is perceived particularly sharply.
Experts note that such measures could lead to increased social tension and a decline in trust in the authorities. Furthermore, they could negatively affect the economy if a significant portion of the qualified workforce is redirected to the army.
The situation remains dynamic, and further actions by the authorities will be closely monitored both within the country and abroad.
