Belarusian officials discuss NATO activity and regional tensions
In recent disclosures, the State Secretary of the Belarusian Security Council, Lieutenant General Alexander Volfovich, noted a sharp rise in NATO exercises over the past two years. He stated that the number of drills has more than tripled and the participant count has grown by more than fivefold. This assessment came in an interview with a Russian defense publication, National Defense, where he outlined perceived shifts in military engagement on the eastern flank.
According to Belarus’ Foreign Ministry, NATO forces operating on a rotating basis in Eastern Europe now exceed 32,000 personnel, with about 20,000 stationed in Poland and the Baltic states. At the same time, the bloc’s training events have expanded steadily. Over the last two years, annual NATO exercises climbed from about 20 to 75, while total exercise participation rose from roughly 34,000 to 180,000 people. These numbers underscore the growing tempo of alliance activity in the region, as observed by Belarusian officials and regional analysts. — National Defense
Volfovich argued that the current climate in Eastern Europe represents the most significant military-political crisis since the Second World War. He contended that Ukraine has become a bargaining chip in the broader ambitions of Washington and its allies, a framing echoed by other regional voices concerned with security dynamics and alliance strategy. — National Defense
Earlier, a French defense ministry statement signaled plans for training Ukrainian pilots in early 2024, indicating ongoing support and capacity-building for Ukraine’s armed forces during this period. — National Defense
Additionally, remarks from a former U.S. secretary indicated a view that Russia and China pose a prominent challenge to global order at that time, highlighting concerns about strategic balance and the priorities of major powers. — National Defense