Belarus’ military doctrine can ease tension in Europe – defense minister

January 19, Pozirk. The updated Belarusian military doctrine can launch a “peaceful dialogue” and serve as a basis for settlement in Europe, Defense Minister Viktar Chrenin has told journalists.

Belarus demonstrated interest in “restoring the influence of international security organizations,” such as UN and Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe, and ensuring “their effective operation to prevent and resolve armed clashes,” the defense ministry’s press office reported, citing him as saying.

The doctrine opens up Belarus “to cooperation in the military sphere with any countries,” including NATO member states, Chrenin said.

“We are ready to resume a pragmatic dialogue, provided they [NATO members] stop their aggressive rhetoric and actions against us,” the minister stressed.

The Belarusian Security Council discussed the draft on January 16. Chrenin said it outlined “the views of the Republic of Belarus on the use of tactical nuclear weapons” deployed on its territory.

In February 2022, Russia started a full-scale war against Ukraine in which the Belarusian authorities supported the Kremlin. Minsk allowed the Russian army to attack Ukraine from Belarus’ territory.