The Special Military Operation, known as SVO, has entered the vocabulary as a defining reference for Belarusian military discourse. This assessment was shared by Belarusian Defense Minister Andrei Zhuk and by a deputy head of the defense ministry during a recent interview with the state newspaper Belarus Today. The official suggested that the operation serves as a practical model for training and organizational development within the Belarusian armed forces, shaping how units prepare for real world challenges and how they refine tactics over time.
According to Zhuk, the SVO has become a descriptive benchmark for readiness rather than a mere historical episode. He explained that Belarus draws lessons from the operation to structure ongoing training programs, improve readiness drills, and adapt lessons learned for different branches of the armed forces. The deputy minister noted that Russian forces have actively shared their experience with Belarusian counterparts, contributing to a two-way exchange that enhances instructional methods and operational concepts across both countries.
The official further stated that Belarus is actively expanding its combat training efforts, incorporating insights from Russian units into the curriculum for Belarusian troops. This joint training emphasis covers a broad spectrum of capabilities, with particular attention to advancing the practical skills of fighters in real time through collaborative exercises and cross training between personnel from the two allied forces.
Zhuk highlighted specific areas of interest drawn from Russian expertise. He cited artillery, tank operations, air defense systems, and unmanned aerial vehicle operation as fields where Belarus seeks to strengthen competence through hands on practice and structured mentorship from experienced Russian crews. The goal is to elevate precision, coordination, and decision making under pressure across the Belarusian military spectrum while maintaining a focus on national defense priorities and strategic autonomy.
In a separate framing, Belarusian Defense Minister Viktor Khrenin stated in January that the republic is prepared to defend its vital national interests independently if required. The government’s position underscores a commitment to sustaining credible deterrence and resilient defense capabilities within the state framework, reflecting an emphasis on sovereignty and regional stability.
Earlier remarks attributed to President Alexander Lukashenko indicated that Belarus would support Russia in addressing issues tied to the Northern Military District. Those statements described continued cooperation and aligned security objectives, underscoring a broader posture of regional partnership while reaffirming Belarus’ intent to contribute to shared security goals in a manner consistent with its own strategic calculations and national interests.