Lukashenka Tells Belarus Army to Be Ready for Combat

"The situation around Belarus is developing in such a way that we cannot note with satisfaction that everything is calm", Alexander Lukashenka said on April 3 in Minsk, addressing a meeting on the issue of the combat readiness of the Armed Forces, official sources reported.

According to the head of the state, the Armed Forces of Belarus must be combat-ready. "We need to feel the pulse of this country and not only this country", he said.

The president also said that the armed forces would soon conduct massive drills. They should be cost-efficient but high-quality.

"The need for periodic military drills was determined long time ago", Lukashenka reminded. Belarus conducts large military exercises every two years.

The president also noted that the maintenance of of the defense capability of the country is a mandatory guarantee of the defence of the 'union state's borders. "The treaty with Russia is a sacred thing. We must fulfill our obligations under this treaty, just like Russia does so, ensuring our security with the nuclear shield", official sources quote Lukashenka as saying.