Ruslan Shkodin
VITEBSK, 30 December (BelTA) – One of the priorities of Belarus’ social and economic development program for 2026-2030 that was adopted at the second session of the 7th Belarusian People’s Congress focused on strengthening national defense capability, Ruslan Shkodin, a member of the Standing Commission on National Security of the House of Representatives of the National Assembly and a delegate to the Belarusian People’s Congress, said in an interview with a BelTA correspondent.
Ruslan Shkodin took part in the session of the Belarusian People’s Congress for the third time. “Its format has changed,” Ruslan Shkodin explained. “Previously, the Belarusian People’s Congress convened once every five years. After being granted constitutional status, delegates are now elected for five-year terms, but the Congress meets annually.”
The MP observed a jovial and celebratory atmosphere at the session. “At this meeting, as at previous ones, we summarized results and defined strategic directions for the country’s future. The Belarusian People’s Congress brings together people from across the nation who have dedicated years or their entire lives to Belarus’ development. They feel a profound responsibility for their work and for the country,” emphasized Ruslan Shkodin.
He noted that the National Security Concept adopted at the previous session of the Belarusian People’s Congress is the foundational document in the field of national security. “The National Security Concept and the Military Doctrine are the fundamental documents that ensure peace in Belarus today. Nevertheless, the recent session of the Belarusian People’s Congress again raised security within the framework of social and economic development, and this is no coincidence,” the deputy said. “In his speeches, the president constantly, especially recently, emphasizes that without a strong economy, war will ensue. Conversely, without guaranteed security, there can be no economic development. These two elements are intimately linked.”
Strengthening defense was addressed in a dedicated section of the social and economic development program. “We must protect Belarus from external and internal threats. This requires developing our defense sector, as the president stated in his speech: at least 50% of our weapons must be domestically produced. Incidentally, it was a revelation to many that over half of the Oreshnik system elements were Belarusian-made,” said Ruslan Shkodin. “Amid global armed conflicts, we see militarization taking hold in all Western countries, particularly the EU, Great Britain, and the United States. Everyone is increasing defense budgets and updating military equipment. Our army, too, must have new weapons, and our people must learn to operate them. Discussions on the program raised the issue of creating innovation centers and even laboratories for developing various weapons and military equipment.”
He added that personnel are the army’s most vital asset and must be properly equipped, dressed and fed. “Otherwise, it will be a bunch of paupers, not an army. The program also addresses the accumulation, creation, and storage of material reserves,” stated Ruslan Shkodin. Furthermore, he stressed the need to enhance the prestige of military service and motivate people to serve, although significant progress has been achieved in this field in recent years.
“Looking at our closest neighbors, who once followed Western arguments and abolished compulsory military service, I have realized that the Republic of Belarus made the right choice in preserving it,” the delegate explained. “Every citizen must be capable of defending the homeland, which requires army service. They need to learn to handle weapons and obtain a military specialty. Today, Germany, Poland, Lithuania, Latvia, and indeed the entire EU are debating reinstating conscription. In our country, people’s militias and territorial defense are also developing, not just on paper but in practice.”
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