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Belarus Prepares Martial Law Bill, Citing Threats to Russian-Belarusian Union State

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Vlad Litnarovych
News Writer
Belarus Prepares Martial Law Bill, Citing Threats to Russian-Belarusian Union State
Cadet of the Military Academy of the Republic of Belarus hold a combat training at the Belaya Luzha training centre outside the town of Zhodino in the Minsk region on February 17, 2023. (Source: Getty Images)

Belarus is preparing legal changes that would allow the imposition of martial law in response to the ongoing Russian war against Ukraine, the country’s Ministry of Defense announced on August 5.

The proposed legislation—titled “On Amending Laws Regarding the Provision of Military Security and Defense”—has been developed by the Belarusian Defense Ministry and submitted to the lower house of parliament for consideration.

According to the ministry, the draft bill would update the functions of the Armed Forces and clarify the role of the General Staff in ensuring military security and defending the Republic of Belarus. It also redefines the list of military threats that would justify the imposition of martial law in line with the country’s military doctrine.

Soldiers demonstrate their skills as they perform during the 60th anniversary celebrations of The 5th Special Forces Brigade, at the city of Maryina Gorka in Minsk, Belarus, on December 27, 2022. (Source: Getty Images)
Soldiers demonstrate their skills as they perform during the 60th anniversary celebrations of The 5th Special Forces Brigade, at the city of Maryina Gorka in Minsk, Belarus, on December 27, 2022. (Source: Getty Images)
Paratroopers of the 38th Separate Guards Air Assault Brigade of the Armed Forces of Belarus exercise on parachute jump trainers at the brigade’s grounds in Brest on February 13, 2023. (Source: Getty Images)
Paratroopers of the 38th Separate Guards Air Assault Brigade of the Armed Forces of Belarus exercise on parachute jump trainers at the brigade’s grounds in Brest on February 13, 2023. (Source: Getty Images)

One of the stated criteria includes acts of armed aggression by any state or coalition of states against the Union State, the supranational entity formed by Russia and Belarus under a treaty signed in 1999 to deepen political, economic, and military integration.

This wording suggests that Belarus could declare martial law not only in the event of direct attacks on its territory, but also in response to Ukrainian strikes on Russian military targets, since Russia qualifies as a “union state” partner.

Soldiers demonstrate their skills as they perform during the 60th anniversary celebrations of The 5th Special Forces Brigade, at the city of Maryina Gorka in Minsk, Belarus, on December 27, 2022. (Source: Getty Images)
Soldiers demonstrate their skills as they perform during the 60th anniversary celebrations of The 5th Special Forces Brigade, at the city of Maryina Gorka in Minsk, Belarus, on December 27, 2022. (Source: Getty Images)
Soldiers demonstrate their skills as they perform during the 60th anniversary celebrations of The 5th Special Forces Brigade, at the city of Maryina Gorka in Minsk, Belarus, on December 27, 2022. (Source: Getty Images)
Soldiers demonstrate their skills as they perform during the 60th anniversary celebrations of The 5th Special Forces Brigade, at the city of Maryina Gorka in Minsk, Belarus, on December 27, 2022. (Source: Getty Images)

Since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine began in 2022, Ukrainian forces have regularly targeted Russian territory using drones, artillery, missiles, and glide bombs. Ukraine has also conducted limited ground operations inside the Russian border regions.

In June, Belarus held mobilization exercises in the Brest region, which borders both Ukraine and NATO-member Poland. The previous month, reservists from Belarus’ Territorial Troops also gathered for drills in the same region.

Earlier, Germany deployed Eurofighter jets to Poland just weeks ahead of Russia and Belarus launching their joint military exercises “Zapad-2025.”

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