Belarus Security Update – 23 October – 29 October 2023 (Free access)
Analysis of main political-military developments in Belarus
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BLUF
The Belarusian Armed Forces did not change their general posture last week.
Executive summary
Last week can be considered relatively calm regarding the security situation in Belarus.
However, despite the limited number of significant military developments, it brought visible activity of Belarusian military-political officials, who commented on the current regional and international situation.
Representatives of the Belarusian military leadership also participated in international talks and domestic events linked to the training of the Belarusian Armed Forces.
Moreover, most Belarusian military formations farewelled conscripted service members. Some already inducted citizens as a part of this year’s autumn conscription.
Due to the abovementioned personnel fluctuation, the general training activity remained relatively low.
Besides, almost no noteworthy actions of the Russian Armed Forces elements occurred. No data related to the activity of the Wagner PMC appeared in open sources.
Political developments
26OCT2023 – Belarusian President meets with Hungarian and Russian Foreign Ministers
On Thursday (26OCT), the Belarusian President, Alexander Lukashenko, participated in two separate meetings with foreign officials.
Initially, he met with Hungarian Minister of Foreign Affairs Peter Szijjártó, who arrived in Minsk to participate in the international conference “Eurasian Security: Reality and Prospects in a Transforming World” held between 26-27OCT. Belarusian Foreign Minister Sergey Alenik had accompanied both officials.
At the outset, the Belarusian President expressed his support for the existence of the European Union (EU). According to him, the organisation, apart from the United States, China, and Russia, was one of the pillars of the contemporary world, making it necessary for the entire planet. Lukashenko had claimed that, despite some bilateral difficulties with the EU, Belarus supported the organisation.
Regarding the Russo-Ukrainian conflict, Lukashenko mentioned the provision of ATACMS missiles escalated the conflict. He also stressed that European states could end the war despite strong "pressure" from the United States (to continue it).
Speaking about Western sanctions, the Belarusian President confirmed that some had caused certain issues affecting the economy. However, he also said that Belarus had learned to "deal" with them in general. Lukashenko expressed his readiness and support for bilateral Belarusian-Hungarian projects. As noted, Belarus could provide Hungary with the best conditions for any cooperation.
Moreover, Lukashenko thanked Szijjártó for Hungarian support for Belarusian athletes and invited Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban to Belarus.
On the other hand, Szijjártó thanked Lukashenko for his invitation. The Hungarian representative stressed that he believed in peace and noted that the ongoing Russo-Ukrainian conflict was causing negative consequences for states that were not its direct participants. He claimed that Hungarian citizens were also dying during the fighting. Szijjártó expressed his support for the quickest possible end to the ongoing hostilities, but he emphasised that it required dialogue between the states.
Shortly after, Alexander Lukashenko and Sergey Alenik attended another meeting with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov. Lukashenko thanked Lavrov for his arrival. He emphasised that Belarus would remain a reliable ally of Russia and would not participate in any "games."
According to Lukashenko, Belarus and Russia were continuing the realisation of their earlier joint plans despite foreign pressure. As noted, this was especially visible regarding both states' trade turnover, expected to achieve a record value in 2023. Concerning bilateral relations, the Belarusian leader stressed that Belarus and Russia practically acted as a "single whole" and It would not change due to the upcoming (Belarusian) elections.
26OCT2023 – Russian implementation of the agreement on creating joint combat training centres
Also, on Thursday (26OCT), the Russian President. Vladimir Putin submitted an agreement to create the joint Russo-Belarusian combat training centre for the Russian State Duma. The document practically implements the Russian-Belarusian agreement signed in Minsk on 28MAR. Officially, the agreement defines the interaction procedure between Belarusian and Russian MODs and the actual functioning of these training centres.
According to the text, both Russia and Belarus recognise the joint servicemen training to protect their sovereignty and territorial integrity and maintain peace and stability in the region.
They would be created for joint training of military personnel to improve their interoperability and combat training level through implementing joint combat training programs, their practical unification and experiences exchange.
These centres will be created on existing military units with bilateral decisions. Commanders of formations that stood up joint centres would remain responsible for daily combat training activities and the duty, guard, and internal service. Unless otherwise (joint decision) decided, military personnel will wear the uniform and insignia of their national armed forces.
Soldiers sent to combat training centres in another country will be exempt from paying taxes, fees (duties) and other mandatory payments to the “receiving state’s” budget. The host country will also provide the arriving troops with infrastructure, logistics, and medical support. However, the “sending state” will cover the expenses of military and special equipment transport to the host country.
27OCT2023 – Belarusian President comments on the current political-military situation
A day later (27OCT), Alexander Lukashenko visited recently built estates in the Minsk region. Theoretically, his visit did not pertain to security issues. However, journalists asked the Belarusian leader several questions about the current political-military situation.
Initially, Lukashenko discussed the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict. He said the current situation was challenging, primarily due to the possibility of a spillover to neighbouring countries and a high probability of many civilian casualties.
The Belarusian President highlighted the prominent role of the United States in the conflict. He went on to emphasise that Israel had aligned its military actions near the Gaza Strip with American "orders".
The Belarusian leader observed that these actions were driven by the American desire to maintain a dominant global position by inciting antagonism in other nations. Lukashenko expressed his endorsement of Russian measures against the United States. He believed that Washington indirectly contributed to the ongoing conflict and could even lead to the onset of a third world war.
Additionally, the Belarusian President expressed scepticism about Iranian involvement in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, pointing out that the United States had not presented direct evidence confirming Iran's role. He underlined that the presence of Iranian weapons alone was insufficient to establish this link, especially considering that the West had also supplied numerous military systems to Ukraine. In such a context, Lukashenko stressed that the arms trade was legally permissible, even if it might be ethically questionable.
Lukashenko also mentioned that American military involvement, particularly against Iran, could lead to a disastrous outcome, potentially resulting in a new war employing the "most serious" weaponry.
However, the Belarusian President suggested a possible resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. According to him, creating a Palestinian state with clearly defined borders was essential. He believed this approach could halt hostilities and provide a peaceful living environment for the local citizens, especially considering their lack of interest in the ongoing conflict.
Nonetheless, the Belarusian leader also pointed out that such a solution might not align with the interests of the United States, which was attempting to divert its focus from the Russo-Ukrainian conflict in anticipation of upcoming elections. Lukashenko noted that it would be more convenient for the United States to support Israel against Hamas rather than Ukraine against Russia, given the latter's possession of a nuclear arsenal.
Furthermore, the Belarusian President addressed the present situation concerning the Polish-Belarusian border. He emphasised that Poland bore responsibility for the daily deaths of multiple migrants, which had become a common occurrence. Lukashenko mentioned his ongoing discussions with Germans who shared similar viewpoints on the current border situation.
He also recollected his recent conversations with Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó and asserted that he would not actively protect the European Union (EU) from illegal immigrants. According to him, he had attempted to do so following the commencement of the Russo-Ukrainian conflict. However, his actions had resulted in European sanctions and shortages in financing joint projects.
When discussing the potential for negotiations with the Western states, Lukashenko stressed his reluctance to trust them due to his responsibility to all Belarusian citizens. He emphasised that Belarus always had an interest in negotiations but would not permit any party to exert excessive influence on its internal and external policies. Lukashenko also referenced the recent change in government in Poland and reiterated his willingness to engage in potential talks. Nonetheless, he also criticised the recent actions of the Lithuanian leadership, which he believed were detrimental to its people. Lukashenko reiterated Belarus's lack of interest in war and desire to live peacefully with its neighbours.
Additionally, the Belarusian leader once again addressed the course of the Russo-Ukrainian conflict. According to him, the United States would continue to provide funding for the Ukrainian Armed Forces. It would encourage European states to do the same.
Nevertheless, Lukashenko argued that Europeans had no genuine interest in war and were influenced by American pressure. He pointed out Hungary as an example of a state more inclined toward cooperation with Russia and Belarus rather than the United States.
When speaking directly about the progress of the conflict, Lukashenko noted that both Russians and Ukrainians should initiate immediate peace talks and implement a ceasefire to negotiate joint agreements regarding land and war. According to the Belarusian leader, Ukraine could soon face a significant shortage of personnel, especially as the most motivated soldiers were already either deceased or wounded. As a result, both Ukrainians and Russians were currently unable to make substantial advances, leading to a high number of casualties on both sides. Lukashenko added that the Russian manpower potential was several times greater.
Regarding the current Belarusian-Ukrainian relations, it is worth noting that the Ukrainian Border Service published a video confirming the installation of the so-called "dragon's teeth" on the Ukrainian-Belarusian border.
Military developments
23-27OCT2023 – The autumn conscription in the Belarusian Armed Forces
Last week, the Belarusian Armed Forces began inducting citizens during the autumn conscription call.
Last year’s conscripts' " release " coincided with the new personnel’s induction. Official farewell ceremonies took part in several military formations throughout the week.
On Monday (23OCT), they occurred in the following formations (units):
38th Air Assault Brigade – at least 100-110 servicemen;
103rd Airborne Brigade – at least 150 servicemen;
6th Mechanised Brigade – at least 60 servicemen;
19th Mechanised Brigade – at least 50 servicemen;
120th Mechanised Brigade – 435 servicemen;
465th Missile Brigade – at least 30-35 servicemen;
51st Artillery Brigade – at least 20 servicemen;
841st Artillery Group – at least three servicemen;
147th Air Defence Regiment – at least 10-15 servicemen;
120th Air Defence Brigade – at least 15 servicemen;
60th Communications Regiment – at least 15 servicemen;
250th Security and Maintenance Battalion – at least 12-15 servicemen;
A day later (24OCT), at least four conscripted servicemen of the 1052nd Radiotechnical Battalion
(49th Radiotechnical Brigade) also finished their military service.
On Thursday (26OCT), analogical farewells took place in the 483rd Security and Maintenance Battalion (at least 15-25 conscripts), the 11th Mechanised Brigade (about 300 conscripts) and the 74th Communications Regiment (at least 20 conscripts).
On Friday (27OCT), the 377th Air Defence Regiment hosted farewell ceremonies for at least seven conscripted servicemen. It can be added that the 56th Communications Regiment farewelled a single senior ensign, who finished military service after 27 years.
The data listed above do not present the full picture of those who departed the armed forces. Many published materials presented only a part of the personnel in farewell ceremonies. This mostly pertains to the number of conscripts of SOF and mechanised formations (except the 11th Mechanised Brigade).
Nevertheless, considering the numbers shown above, it can be noted that about 1,250 Belarusian conscripts finished their military service between Monday (23OCT) and Friday (27OCT).
The group included at least 250 soldiers of SOF formations (~20 per cent), 848 soldiers of mechanised formations (~68 per cent), 50 soldiers of missile and artillery formations (~4 per cent), as well as 36 soldiers of air defence formations and units (~3 per cent) and 62 soldiers of supporting (sub)units
(~5 per cent).
The actual induction of this year’s conscripts began on Tuesday (24OCT) and was officially announced by the Belarusian Ministry of Defence.
According to the official statement, about 1,000 conscripts were sent to formations of Belarusian Special Operation Forces, as well as to the 72nd Joint Training Center and Minsk Military Commandant’s Office.
The MoD claimed that 10,000 draftees would be inducted during the call (an additional 200 citizens will serve in reserve), which aligns with previous campaigns. Their induction will last until 10NOV (Belarusian Armed Forces) or until 30NOV (other law enforcement agencies). The first group will take its military oath on 25NOV.
On Wednesday (25OCT), several military formations welcomed conscripts who started their military service. According to published materials, at least 40 draftees arrived at the 103rd Airborne Brigade, at least 45-50 at the 120th Mechanised Brigade, at least 12-15 at the Minsk Military Commandant’s Office and at least 15 at the 72nd Joint Training Center.
24-25OCT2023 – The combat training of the Belarusian Armed Forces in the 2023/2024 academic year
Last week, the highest military representatives of the Belarusian Armed Forces participated in the two-day-long combat training gathering led by the Belarusian Minister of Defence, Lt. Gen. Viktor Khrenin. The event occurred between Tuesday and Wednesday (24-25OCT) and engaged heads of military bodies, as well as commanders and their deputies (chiefs of staff) of Belarusian military formations and units.
According to the official statement, the event sought to develop “unified approaches” to training activities and task-solving among leadership representatives in the new academic year.
The gathering consisted of two main phases. The first one had a practical character to acquaint its participants with a series of training issues (including logistic support, particularity of special purpose subunits, and the protection of various objects). The second phase focused on theoretical issues to develop a common understanding among military representatives linked to executing their tasks in the new academic year.
On Tuesday (24OCT), participants of the gathering had an opportunity to watch the practical use of various weapons and samples of special military equipment (including the Groza-R2 electronic warfare complex with “Flyger” UAV detector or MP-155 shotgun). Firing drills linked to the destruction of the UAVs were noteworthy.
The Deputy Commander of the Western Operational Command, Col. Dmitry Bitny, reported that Belarusian commanders had been introduced to novel techniques for personnel training. These techniques encompassed stronghold assaults, various firing drills, and the training of individual soldiers to execute their designated responsibilities. Bitny emphasised that these methods had emerged from the ongoing Russo-Ukrainian conflict and would be incorporated into the combat training system, with ongoing development.
A day later (25OCT), the event continued with several Belarusian generals and dozens of senior officers, led by the Secretary of the State Security Council, Lt. Gen. Alexander Volfovich, Minister of Defence, Lt. Gen. Viktor Khrenin and Chief of Belarusian General Staff, Maj. Gen. Viktor Gulevich. Officially, they participated in the Belarusian Ministry of Defence board meeting to summarise the training results of the Belarusian Armed Forces in the 2022/2023 academic year.
During its course, the Head of the Belarusian MoD briefly spoke about the current political-military situation. He highlighted the importance of the Belarusian Armed Forces in being prepared to safeguard state borders, territorial integrity, and the constitutional order at any moment.
In the later part of the ceremony, Khrenin awarded several Belarusian officers and even promoted some of them to higher military ranks. Notably, commanders (or representatives) of the Western Operational Command, 116th Assault Aviation Base, and 25th Arsenal and 65th Automobile Brigade received special certificates for “significant contribution to strengthening the state's defence capability".
It is worth noting that on Monday (23OCT), the 11th Mechanised Brigade rotated a unit (battalion) on combat duty. The official ceremony was combined with a readiness review of the unit. However, the provided materials did not allow for the identification of the unit in question.
24OCT2023 – The situation around Belarus through the eyes of a Belarusian ideological officer
On Tuesday (24OCT), the Belarusian SB TV channel published an extensive interview with the Deputy Commander of Belarusian Air Force and Air Defence Forces for Ideological Work, Col. Anatoly Bulavko. Bulavko commented on the current situation around Belarus and provided some insight into the recent developments ongoing in the Belarusian Air Force and Air Defence Forces (AFADF).
Initially, Bulavko discussed the role of the Belarusian Air Force and Air Defence Forces in the context of the current military-political situation around the state. He emphasised that Belarusian soldiers had maintained a state of constant readiness for several years and were prepared to respond to any potential provocations.
Regarding the recent exercise conducted by Belarusian air defence subunits at the Telemba Training Ground (12SEP-21SEP), the Deputy Commander of the Belarusian AFADF mentioned that the drills were conducted in a different format. He explained that each S-300 subunit operated independently, without support from other subunits (the so-called “echeloning”). This meant that each subunit had to either successfully neutralise the designated target or face mission failure. Bulavko pointed out that during the exercise, Belarusian soldiers faced not only imitators of precision-guided munition but also targets imitating "classic" UAVs.
He noted that the choice of the Telemba Training Ground for the exercise provided an additional training challenge, as the previously used Ashuluk Training Ground was well known to Belarusian servicemen and situated in more radar-friendly terrain. Nonetheless, Belarusian soldiers achieved excellent results and received high marks. (For more information about the drill, scroll down to see Appendix 1).
Later, the Deputy Commander of the AFADF discussed a Belarusian experiment conducted during a bilateral exercise of the Belarusian Armed Forces. He explained that the experiment aimed to reduce the time between the combined arms commander's call for aviation support and the actual deployment of air assets. Bulavko stated that the Belarusian Armed Forces had successfully reduced this time from about an hour to a few minutes, a development tested and confirmed during the exercise. He emphasised that Belarus was working to further shorten this timeframe to enhance "the stability of the command."
Bulavko then addressed Belarusian radiotechnical assets, specifically mentioning the Rosa complex, which he considered unique. He also mentioned the recent introduction of Mi-35M helicopters, comparing them to surgical instruments designed for precision strikes. He stressed that the Mi-35M should not be equated with the older Mi-24 helicopters, as they are entirely different rotary-wing assets. He said Belarus had selected Mi-35M as the best option due to its advanced avionics, modern equipment, and manoeuvrability.
Finally, Bulavko responded to a question about recent leadership changes in the Polish Armed Forces. He declined to link these rotations to the incident involving the Ukrainian air defence missile that caused the death of two Polish citizens (NOV2022). He suggested that the prolonged examination of the missile resulted from political decisions and emphasised that politics should not interfere in military matters. Bulavko claimed that Belarus did not face this problem and remained a peaceful country, largely due to the competent actions of Belarusian leadership and servicemen.
24-27OCT2023 – The international activity of the Belarusian military officials
Over the past seven days, some noteworthy events engaging representatives of the Belarusian MoD also took place.
On Tuesday (24OCT), Belarusian Minister of Defence, Lt. Gen. Viktor Khrenin, met with the Collective Security Treaty Organisation (CSTO) Secretary General Imangali Tasmagambetov.
The meeting had a bilateral character and pertained to the cooperation between Belarus and the CSTO.
During the meeting, parties spoke about the preparations for the upcoming meetings of the CSTO organs (including the Foreign Ministers Council, MoD Council, Secretaries of Security Council, and the Collective Security Council itself) but also summed up the results of the joint activities during the period of the Belarusian chairmanship in the organisation. In general, Khrenin pointed out that Belarusian intentions were to develop the organisation's military capabilities and increase the readiness of the joint CSTO forces. Lastly, both officials outlined further areas of cooperation in the CSTO format based on national interests and (organisation’s) priorities.
Interestingly, two days later (26OCT), Khrenin departed for China to participate in the official meeting with members of the Chinese Central Committee and the Deputy Chairman of the Central Military Council. Khrenin will inspect Chinese military infrastructure during his visit and participate in the 10th Xiangshan Security Forum.
On Friday (27OCT), two International Military Cooperation Department (IMCD) officers and the First Deputy Head of the IMCD, Col. Alexander Vengura, met with the Zambian Military Attache to the Russian Federation, Brig. Gen. Clement Jere. According to the official statement, the meeting occurred due to the appointment of Jere to the analogical position in Belarus. It was used to exchange views on the development of bilateral military cooperation between Belarus and Zambia.
27OCT2023 – New officers and ensigns in the Belarusian Armed Forces
On Friday (27OCT), dozens of new officers and ensigns “strengthened” the Belarusian Armed Forces during three standalone promotions ceremonies.
Two such events occurred in the Belarusian Military Academy (BMA), where 12 new officers finished their studies at the Aviation Faculty.
On the same day, the Head of the General Staff Faculty of the Belarusian Military Academy, Maj. Gen. Igor Demidenko, jointly with the Head of the Main Personnel Department of the Belarusian MoD, Col. Ivan Mitin, took part in the 33rd promotion ceremony, which took place at the Advanced Training and Retraining Faculty (body responsible for the organisation of specialistic courses, also for the officer ranks). According to Mitin, the promotion involved 72 new officers (38 lieutenants and 34 junior lieutenants).
Also, on Friday (27OCT), the 72nd Joint Training Center (JTC) organised its promotion ceremony.
It involved 141 cadets (including 13 women) of the 114th School for Training Warrant Officers and Food Service Specialists, who received the ensign rank.
A day later (28OCT), the Belarusian Military Academy and the Military Medical Institute of the Belarusian State Medical University hosted open-door events. The first ceremony was held under the Head of the BMA, Maj. Gen. Gennady Lepeshko and attended by servicemen of the 74th Communications Regiment, 1405th Artillery Munitions Base, as well as the military-patriotic club “Guardians of the Sky” (organised for youth by servicemen of the 120th Air Defence Brigade).
Military exercises
23-25OCT2023 – The training activity of the mechanised formations
On Monday (24OCT), the Belarusian MoD published a material presenting personnel of “formation from Grodno garrison” participating in the tactical fire training classes. Considering the soldiers' equipment, drills likely involved servicemen of the 6th Mechanised Brigade’s Reconnaissance Battalion. Officially, the training referred to firing and working as a part of small “groups” (subunits).
Subsequently, “rear subunits” of the 120th Mechanised Brigade (presumably elements of the logistics battalion) underwent control classes. Based on the provided video, they included tactical, communications and medical drills.
Two days later (25OCT), mechanised elements of the 6th Mechanised Brigade underwent control firing classes at Gozhsky Training Ground. The presence of the BMP-2 suggests the possible participation of the 202nd Mechanised Battalion’s servicemen in the drill.
23-27OCT2023 – The training activity of the mechanised formations
As noted above, training actions were also observable among SOF formations. However, some of them slightly differed from the SOF routine.
On Monday (23OCT), the Belarusian Ministry of Defence provided a video presenting a parachute drop of the 38th Air Assault Brigade servicemen. At least 20 personnel jumped out of an Il-76 transport aircraft, most likely over the Brestsky Training Ground.
On Thursday (26OCT), sappers of the 103rd Airborne Brigade took practical classes at the Losvido Training Ground. However, no additional details inked to this drill appeared in open sources.
A day later (27OCT), the 103rd Airborne Brigade hosted a special training session for legal service officials of the Vitebsk, Zaslonovo and Polotsk garrisons. The event involved an unspecified number of officers of the formation and was led by the officer of the Legal Support Department of the Belarusian MoD.
25-26OCT2023 – Training activity of support formations
Last week, some training events also took place among support formations. This refers to the 83rd (Separate Purpose) Radio Communications Center and 259th Mobile-Recovery Railway Battalion of the 30th Railway Brigade.
On Wednesday (25OCT), the mentioned centre organised the competition for the best special radio communications specialists, which included contests linked to transmitting and receiving Morse code signals and conducting tasks in special radio communications lines.
A day later (26OCT), the 30th Railway Brigade elements participated in the special-tactical exercise. During its course, personnel of the subunit created a collection point for damaged military equipment, where the vehicles were either repaired or evacuated. Soldiers were also responsible for protecting the point from reconnaissance and sabotage groups of a mock enemy under the supervision of the Head of the 3rd Directorate of the Transport Support Department of the Belarusian MoD, Col. Alexei Yakunin.
Interestingly, also on Thursday (26OCT), the Telegram channel of the Krasny Dvor military town
(111th Artillery Brigade and 48th Electronic Warfare Battalion) informed about joint drills of Belarusian soldiers and members of the Russian Investigative Committee. However, the drill's date, location and exact participants still need to be clarified.
It can be added that between Wednesday (25OCT) and Thursday (26OCT), the Belarusian KDB (KGB) started its anti-terrorist exercise held in Mogilev. Aside from subunits of KDB, it also engaged elements of other law enforcement agencies, including Internal Troops and the Ministry
of Emergencies. According to the Belarusian Hajun team, certain subunits of the Belarusian Army could also participate in the drills.
27OCT2023 – Training activity of reserve servicemen
Last week, a single piece of data related to the training of reserve servicemen appeared.
On Saturday (27OCT), the weekly episode of the Анфас program reported the end of planned reserve training camps held in the 72nd Joint Training Center. According to available data, these camps involved at least ten reservists (grenade launcher and machine guns operators and divers) who became snipers after retraining classes.
23-29OCT2023 – Noteworthy movements of Belarusian military equipment
Over the past seven days, the number of noteworthy movements involving Belarusian military equipment can be considered minimal due to the limited training activity.
On Monday (23OCT), four Ural trucks were moving in Minsk, while a single R-186D Drakon radio station appeared in Zyabrovka two days later (25OCT).
A single military echelon with at least one OSA-AKM battery appeared at Lida Railway Station on Thursday (26OCT).
Russian military activity in Belarus
The elements of the Russian Armed Forces deployed in Belarus presented rather limited activity last week.
On Monday (23OCT), a Russian Tu-134 aircraft arrived at Machulischy Air Base. A day later (24OCT), a Russian Su-24MR aircraft deployed in Baranovichi Air Base conducted at least one flight.
Besides, a single V-marked Russian Kamaz-4326 truck was moving in Mazyr on Wednesday (25OCT). Subsequently, the Belarusian Флагшток news outlet informed about a possible explosion that occurred in the city in the early morning (4 AM). However, according to the local representative of the Ministry of Emergencies, the explosion could have been caused “by hooligans”.
Wagner PMC activity in Belarus
Over the past seven days, no noteworthy data related to the presence or activity of the Wagner PMC mercenaries in Belarus appeared in open sources.
Appendix 1. Belarusian air defence exercise at the Telemba Training Ground
(Please let us know of you’d like to receive this data in a tabularised form. Alas Substack has no such option as adding tables).
12SEP
The Belarusian MoD informed about the second phase of the operational-tactical exercise of the Belarusian Air Force and Air Defence Forces. Under the leadership of the Deputy Commander of the Belarusian Air Force and Air Defence Forces, Maj. Gen. Dmitry Mikholap, air defence subunits, will be responsible for destroying a mock enemy's cruise missiles (likely simulated by S-300 missiles) in conditions of heavy electronic interference.
12SEP
The S-300 subunits of the 1st and 377th Air Defence Regiments, as well as the 15th Air Defence Brigade (Belarusian contingent – likely 35-40 servicemen, a single MAZ truck and a single UAZ vehicle) departed to Russia. They used two Russian IL-76 (RF-78656 and RF-78668) aircraft that took off from Baranovichi Air Base.
14SEP
Belarusian contingent arrived at an unspecified airfield (air base). After their landing, they conducted a vehicle march to the Telemba Training Ground.
15SEP
Belarusian MoD informed about the involvement of Belarusian logistic subunit(s) meant to secure the needs of the Belarusian contingent. Photos confirmed the presence of at least 20 Belarusian soldiers.
Nevertheless, kitchen chiefs prepared two boxes of small juices (27 pcs. each), suggesting that the number of servicemen certainly exceeded 27.
15-20SEP
According to the Deputy Commander of Belarusian Air Force for Ideological Work, Col. Anatoly Bulavko (based on his comments made on 24OCT), the drill was held in a different format. He explained that each S-300 subunit operated independently, without support from other subunits (the so-called “echeloning”). This meant that each subunit had to either successfully neutralise the designated target or face mission failure. Bulavko pointed out that during the exercise, Belarusian soldiers faced not only imitators of precision-guided munition but also targets imitating "classic" UAVs.
According to Bulavko, the location of the drills was an additional training factor because earlier used Ashuluk Training Ground is well-known by Belarusian servicemen and is situated in more "radar-friendly" territory. Nevertheless, he stressed that Belarusian soldiers achieved high results and received very good marks.
21SEP
Belarusian contingent conducted S-300 complex live ammo firing at the Telemba Training Ground.
According to Maj. Gen. Dmitry Mikholap, combat launches took place both in the day and nighttime.
They involved new types of air targets, “Strizh” (Tu-141) and “Banket” (most likely 9F875) UAVs, which imitated UAVs, loitering munitions and precision-guided missiles. Belarusian soldiers executed their tasks based on the course of the Russo-Ukrainian conflict and presumably worked as a joint air defence battalion. As Mikholap noted, servicemen received good and very good marks.
21SEP
The Belarusian MoD informed about Belarusian soldiers' successful completion of tasks – published materials presented at least three combat launches – soldiers of each formation (unit) launched a missile?
Later, the Belarusian contingent likely left the training area and departed to the airfield (airbase) used earlier to start air travel to the Baranovichi Air Base.
23SEP
Belarusian contingent returned to Belarus. According to published materials, it included presumably around 35-40 soldiers. At least 15 (servicemen of the 15th Air Defence Brigade) later participated in the official welcome ceremony.