MINSK, 20 February (BelTA) - The Belarusian army is more powerful and strong than ever in military-technical terms, and its strength lies in its people, who are always ready to join its ranks, Defense Minister Viktor Khrenin said before a ceremonial meeting dedicated to the Defenders of the Fatherland and Armed Forces Day of the Republic of Belarus at the Palace of the Republic, BelTA has learned.
“I believe that the meaning of the words 'defender of the Fatherland' has remained unchanged and will remain so. A defender is a person who cares for their Homeland, country, people, family, and loved ones. It is precisely this person, who cares deeply, who will always be ready to stand up for their country and will think about its prosperity. In our country, everyone does their job: some plant grain crops, some teach children, some build houses, and some defend it on a professional basis,” Viktor Khrenin said.
He pointed out that today the Belarusian army is 65% contract-based. “We know that there are people who, when necessary, if they receive a summons (which, by the way, is happening these February days, when thousands of our citizens receive summons for military training camps), will stand in the ranks alongside us, leave their affairs, put on military uniform, take up arms, and demonstrate their readiness and ability to defend the Motherland,” the minister noted.
Viktor Khrenin emphasized that this year's 23 February holiday has its own special feature. “It lies in the fact that, more than in previous years, a large number of people will be spending this holiday at their combat posts, at training grounds: these are the servicemen participating in the snap inspection ordered by our president; these are the reservists who are currently being called up and joining the ranks as part of the comprehensive readiness check of the Armed Forces; these are the servicemen carrying out tasks on our southern borders, reinforcing the state border; these are the servicemen constantly on combat duty, guarding our peaceful skies,” the head of the Defense Ministry stated.
Today, Viktor Khrenin emphasized, it can be said that the Belarusian Armed Forces are more powerful and strong than ever in military-technical terms. “But this strength lies not only in the fact that the Oreshnik missile system and tactical nuclear weapons have been deployed on our territory. Our power lies in the fact that we have people always ready to join the ranks. There is a clear understanding that on the battlefield, everything is decided by the officer and the soldier. Therefore, we need the Day of Fatherland Defenders and the Armed Forces so that we do not forget and remember the power that we possess, the strength that cannot be measured by an arms race or by technical specifications, and this strength lies in our people," the minister stated.
Photos by Yan Gorbanyuk/BelTA
He pointed out that today the Belarusian army is 65% contract-based. “We know that there are people who, when necessary, if they receive a summons (which, by the way, is happening these February days, when thousands of our citizens receive summons for military training camps), will stand in the ranks alongside us, leave their affairs, put on military uniform, take up arms, and demonstrate their readiness and ability to defend the Motherland,” the minister noted.
Today, Viktor Khrenin emphasized, it can be said that the Belarusian Armed Forces are more powerful and strong than ever in military-technical terms. “But this strength lies not only in the fact that the Oreshnik missile system and tactical nuclear weapons have been deployed on our territory. Our power lies in the fact that we have people always ready to join the ranks. There is a clear understanding that on the battlefield, everything is decided by the officer and the soldier. Therefore, we need the Day of Fatherland Defenders and the Armed Forces so that we do not forget and remember the power that we possess, the strength that cannot be measured by an arms race or by technical specifications, and this strength lies in our people," the minister stated.
He recalled the saying that hard times create strong men. “If anyone thinks these are just lofty words, I advise you to take out your family albums, find photos of your grandfathers and great-grandfathers, and remember that we are the heirs of the generation of victors. When I travel and work in military units, I see those young men, and women too, who are stronger than any armor. After all, they are the ones running forced marches in -20 °C, starting up frozen hardware, and making multi-kilometer movements. They are the ones lying in the snow at night on firing lines and performing live-fire exercises. I think only a blind person would fail to notice that they are the heirs of the generation of victors. Some call themselves the Ministry of War, but we say that we are an army of peace. Together, we will do everything to preserve peace on our land,” Viktor Khrenin concluded.
Photos by Yan Gorbanyuk/BelTA
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