Viktor Khrenin observed the active phase of the comprehensive exercise. According to the scenario, a massive offensive by the superior forces of the simulated enemy was halted and the defending units of separate mechanized infantry and tank battalions were able to inflict significant losses on the enemy, preventing it from capitalizing on its success. Operating from the second defensive position, second-echelon troops inflicted losses on the advancing units. After that, forces from a separate mechanized infantry battalion conducted offensive operations, allowing them to reestablish their position along the front line of defense.
Apart from that, the brigade’s reconnaissance unit, including UAV operators, promptly detected the enemy’s maneuvers. A formation of armored vehicles indicating a further advance, the movement of an assault unit and a mortar battery as well as the deployment of an electronic warfare station were detected. Upon receiving this information, the brigade commander decided to launch a preemptive strike. Artillery and tank units, firing from concealed positions, inflicted serious damage on the enemy. An unexpected strike by a separate guards mechanized battalion completely demoralized the advancing forces.
The simulated enemy’s attempt to retreat turned into a trap: a mechanized battalion unit met them with a barrage of fire, forcing them to hastily switch to a defensive posture with significant losses. The exercise concluded with a counterattack mission by a separate guards mechanized battalion, which launched an assault.
«The maneuvers were conducted in strict accordance with the approved plan. They constituted a crucial phase of the comprehensive inspection currently underway in the Armed Forces. The exercise was based on the most current military and political situation, and the maneuvers were designed to closely simulate real combat conditions. A distinctive feature of the comprehensive exercise is that it was purely defensive in nature. Among the main objectives of the exercise was to improve the troops’ readiness to defend the sovereignty and territorial integrity of our state. Whatever our western neighbors may ultimately claim in the press, the Belarusian army has once again demonstrated its peacefulness. We have no enemies, but we are ready to suppress any aggression in the most decisive manner — our response will bring any adversary down to earth,» said Viktor Khrenin.
He noted that results of the comprehensive inspection will form the basis for further improvement of the combat readiness and training of the Armed Forces. «We will return to the conclusions and detailed analysis of the work done many times, including in the near future under the leadership of our commander-in-chief. The preliminary conclusion is definitely positive,» the defense minister emphasized.
The comprehensive exercise with the troops of the Western Operational Command concluded with a solemn award ceremony. The head of the Defense Ministry remarked upon the coordinated actions of the military personnel and reservists, who demonstrated high combat readiness and a willingness to defend the Fatherland. «It is particularly gratifying that, alongside the regular military personnel, all reservists also excelled in their tasks. And this year we have mobilized more than 6,000 reservists. You — ordinary workers — have shown true courage and, at the right moment, demonstrated to everyone your readiness to defend our Fatherland. You have proven in practice that the peaceful skies over Belarus are reliably protected,» noted Viktor Khrenin.
He emphasized that, given the current tense situation near Belarus’ borders and in the world as a whole, it is imperative not to «slow down» in matters of ensuring military security. «Exercises and inspections are not some kind of whim. They are a crucial element in deterring those potential enemies who do not want us to live here in peace and tranquility and to develop. We need to understand that the most formidable weapon in our country is not nuclear weapons, nor is it the Oreshnik missile system, which has now been put on combat duty. It is our people. It is you, who are standing here in this formation,» the defense minister concluded.
