A new training initiative has begun near the town of Osipovichi, about 230 kilometers from the Ukrainian border, where Belarusian soldiers are reportedly receiving instruction from instructors associated with the private military company Wagner. The update comes from Belarusian defense officials after Telegram posts described the arrangement as an ongoing program at a regional training site.
The Defense Ministry highlighted a location described as a regional defense training area where local troops are learning various military disciplines under the guidance of instructors linked to the Wagner group. Officials released a video showing the training in progress, with servicemen offering comments on the experience and its relevance for Belarus’s armed forces as they resume active operations in a modern context.
In one interview excerpt, a Belarusian serviceman noted that the training exposed participants to real combat situations and expressed that the experience could be highly valuable for the Belarusian Army, which has not faced armed conflict since historic overseas campaigns. Another soldier emphasized that those involved in the training are seasoned and capable, suggesting that the approach could convey practical lessons for field operations.
Additional remarks from troops stressed the importance of such preparatory work in today’s security climate, with one serviceman stating a strong motivation to defend the homeland and to benefit from advanced training capabilities. The broader objective, according to officials, is to deepen practical know-how within the regular army through exchanges with the Russian paramilitary force group, potentially enhancing readiness across the force structure before any future contingencies.
Belarusian authorities have indicated that Wagner’s arrival in the country is part of a deliberate effort to gain experience from experienced units. The leadership has described the mercenaries as highly experienced in combat, hinting at a strategic role in strengthening Belarus’s defense posture in the event of external aggression. While the exact timeline and location of some activities remain fluid, officials reiterate the intent to leverage this collaboration for professional development within Belarus’s military apparatus.
President Aleksandr Lukashenko has previously remarked on the practical value of Wagner’s capabilities, characterizing the group as among the most seasoned combat units. He suggested that such expertise could be deployed to support Belarus in scenarios where national security is challenged, underscoring the strategic significance attributed to international military experience within the country’s defense framework.