Lukashenko Reshuffles Military Command During Russian Defense Visit
On October 22, Belarusian leader Alexander Lukashenko reshuffled top military commands by appointing new leaders for the Special Operations Forces and the Western and Northwestern Operational Commands, ua.news reported.
Russian Defense Leadership Undergoes Operational Shifts
Colonel Vladimir Safonov took command of the Special Operations Forces. His predecessor, Alexander Ilyukevich, shifted to command the Western Operational Command. Major General Alexander Lavrenov took command of the Northwestern Operational Command.
Additional leadership changes across the defense apparatus accompanied these operational shifts. Major-General Vadim Surov has been appointed Deputy Defense Minister, having been relieved of his post as Commander of the Western Operational Command. Major-General Vladimir Kupriyanyuk became First Deputy Chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces, stepping down as Chief of the Main Intelligence Directorate, Deputy Chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces. Colonel Aleksei Khuzyakhmetov took over that intelligence post. Colonel Sergei Tomchik assumed charge of the Main Military Inspectorate, while Colonel Andrei Folynskov took over as First Deputy Chief of Armament and chief of the armament staff.
Belousov and Lukashenko Discuss Joint Military Infrastructure
The reshuffles coincided with a visit to Minsk by Russian Defense Minister Andrei Belousov. Lukashenko and Belousov met to discuss bilateral military cooperation, the development of joint military infrastructure, a unified air defense system, and ongoing combat training. Belousov stated the need for preemptive actions regarding the regional international situation without detailing concrete steps.
Lukashenko Orders Creation of Rural Militia Units
Beyond the regular armed forces, Lukashenko ordered the creation of people’s militia units in every rural executive committee. He announced this directive during a training session for a local unit in the Verkhnodvinsk District. Regarding broader regional politics, Lukashenko stated that it is not up to Trump to decide on the issue of elections in Ukraine.