Belarusian defense minister in Iran

July 31, BPN. Defense Minister Viktar Chrenin has arrived in Tehran to discuss military cooperation with Iran’s leaders, the defense ministry’s press office reports.

In May, a group of Iranian engineers reportedly visited AAT Homielski Radyjozavod, Ukraine’s defense ministry said citing Belarusian resistance forces. AAT Homielski Radyjozavod offers metal turning, stamping and coating services. The visit was allegedly linked to Russia’s plans to set up the production of Shahed suicide drones in Belarus.

Last fall, Russia repeatedly attacked Ukraine from Belarusian territory with suicide drones, according to the Ukrainian military. Reports also said that Iranians were training Russians in Belarus to use the Shahed. The US Department of Defense did not confirm this information.

On June 29, the European Council condemned continued military support of Russia’s war on Ukraine by Iran and Belarus.

In February 2022, Russia started a full-scale war against Ukraine. Alaksandar Łukašenka admitted that Belarus participated in Russia’s war on Ukraine, but said it was “not killing anyone.”

Authorities in Minsk denied Belarusian army troops’ involvement in combat operations on the Russian side. However, Belarus allowed Russian troops and weapons to move freely through the country, use its airspace, refuel and store military equipment and attack Ukraine from its territory.