Russian armed forces to return to permanent bases when a need arises

Russian armed forces will return to their permanent bases only when an objective need to do this arises – as stated by the Chief of the General Staff of Belarus’ Armed Forces, Major General Viktor Gulevich, at a briefing for military attaches dedicated to the Day of Fatherland Defenders and the Armed Forces, the Belarusian Defence Ministry’s Telegram channel informs

“Due to increasing military activities near the external borders of the Union State and an aggravating situation in Donbass, the presidents of Belarus and Russia have decided to continue inspecting the Union State’s response forces. The Russian armed forces will return to their permanent bases only when an objective need for that arises and when we decide. This is purely our internal affair,” Mr. Gulevich said.

As the Chief of the General Staff noted, much will depend on the country’s western colleagues in this matter. “The forces and means deployed in the Eastern European region, including near the state border of the Republic of Belarus, are among the factors that influence the further development of the situation. With this in view, Belarus has the right to demand that the United States and NATO member countries withdraw their troops from the borders of the Republic of Belarus and the Union State and to ensure control over this withdrawal by verification measures," Mr. Gulevich emphasised.