Lukashenko orders snap readiness check of Belarusian army amid regional tensions

Alexander Lukashenko has launched a sudden inspection of the Belarusian army, ordering a combat readiness check of one of the country's artillery brigades. The brigade will leave its permanent base to carry out "a number of tasks," according to Belarusian Security Council Secretary Alexander Volfovich. This redeployment comes after a surprise visit by CIA Director John Ratcliffe to Moscow and increasing speculation about a potential Russian attack on a NATO member state.

Under Lukashenko's orders, the brigade in question will be reinforced to a "wartime strength". The Belarusian Ministry of Defense announced this move on the evening of August 25. The army will also hold exercises to counter a mock enemy and assess the performance of the entire military command structure, from the General Staff down to combat units. Officials say the training will incorporate lessons from wars in Ukraine and Iran, but have not specified which elements will be used.

Statements from the Ministry of Defense and Volfovich emphasize that the main goal of the inspection, set to last throughout the second half of 2026, is to address shortcomings and test the armed forces' preparedness for real combat. The ministry added that an unscheduled review is being carried out at military commissariats and the 51st Guards Artillery Brigade. According to the plan, reservists have arrived at the brigade's base for reception and training.

Officials also noted that the combat readiness check began on August 24, when Security Council Secretary Volfovich handed the relevant order to Defense Minister Viktor Khrenin. Inspections are being conducted at Lukashenko's direction, with any flaws identified being addressed immediately.

A series of photos published on the ministry's Telegram channel shows new reservists arriving to reinforce the artillery unit, who are expected to form the brigade's core. Meanwhile, there are reports of additional air force and air defense drills, and reservist call-ups in different Belarusian regions.

At around 14:00, the Defense Ministry reported another event involving the armed forces. A meeting of the coordination committee for communications chiefs of the CIS armed forces was held in Minsk, bringing together representatives from Belarus, Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan. The main objective is to improve joint command and communications among the six participating armies.

On August 26, news emerged that a major railway junction is under construction in Belarus for transporting military equipment and personnel. Radio Svoboda obtained documents and satellite images showing increased activity by Lukashenko's administration in the Homyel region.

In June and July, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky sounded the alarm about a possible new Russian offensive launched from Belarusian territory, and issued an ultimatum to Lukashenko, demanding that relay transmitters for Shahed drones be shut down. The transmitters were switched off a week later, and Lukashenko then traveled to Moscow and Beijing for extensive talks.

On August 25, CIA Director John Ratcliffe arrived in Moscow aboard a US Air Force C-17. Analysts and media outlets have speculated about the reasons for his visit, including concerns about a potential Russian attack on a NATO member state.