Minsk appoints new military intelligence chief amid western sanctions

July 28, BPN. Alaksandar Łukašenka has appointed Gen. Maj. Uładzimir Kupryjaniuk as deputy head of the General Staff and head of its main intelligence directorate, according to a statement on Łukašenka’s website.

The appointment may indicate a shift in the strategic priorities or operational plans of the Belarusian military, especially in relation to its western neighbors.

Kupryjaniuk served as first deputy commander of the Western Operational Command prior to the appointment and is under European and Ukrainian sanctions.

Col. Alaksandr Łaŭrenaŭ filled the position left vacant by Kupryjaniuk.

The previous intelligence directorate head, Gen. Maj. Rusłan Kasyhin, was transferred to the reserve on retirement, with the right to wear military uniform and insignia.