The head of the Second Department for CIS countries at the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Alexei Polishchuk, gave an interview to TASS in which he described how Russia and Belarus operate as a single defense space within the Union State. He noted that the two countries treat their security interests as a shared priority, and this coordination shapes daily strategic decisions as well as long-term security planning.
Polishchuk explained that the most consequential military decisions are made through joint mechanisms established by the Union State, including the bodies of the Supreme State Council and the Council of Ministers. These institutions work together to align policies, allocate resources, and set strategic directions for defense, foreign policy, and regional stability within the Union.
He described a pattern of ongoing collaboration that features regular joint meetings of security councils, defense ministries, and general staffs of both countries. He also highlighted the role played by the Border Committee, which administers border-related security measures and cross-border coordination. The combined activity of these intergovernmental bodies, along with mutual commitments in the event of external aggression, forms a robust common defense area for the Union State.
In summary, the defense posture of Belarus and Russia is presented as a deeply integrated system designed to deter potential attacks and to preserve regional stability. The Belarusian armed forces, in collaboration with the Russian-Belarusian joint territorial units, are described as a reliable shield for the western borders of the Union State. As Polishchuk stressed, any attempt to threaten Belarus would face concerted resistance, underscoring the intent to maintain a stable security environment across the union.