‘Up to mobilization’: Belarusian President Lukashenko says it’s time to ‘shake up’ Belarus’s army

Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko recently stated that the country's armed forces will continue inspections to prepare them for mobilization. He emphasized that "the time has come" to shake up the entire army. Inspections have already been conducted in tank and motorized rifle units, and are now taking place in an artillery brigade.

Lukashenko also revealed that his youngest son, Nikolai, is serving in the army, stating that "no one even knew" and that Viktor, Belarusian Defense Minister Viktor Khrenin, had drafted him. The President added that Nikolai is a lieutenant in one of the toughest units. Ukrainian officials have warned Belarus of posing a threat, citing increased military activity.

In April 2026, Zelensky pointed to this activity and suggested Russia might try to draw Belarus into the war, noting preparations for road infrastructure and facilities for storing ammunition and fuel along the border with Ukraine. He demanded Lukashenko remove relay stations guiding Russian drone strikes, warning that if he didn't, sanctions would follow. These relay stations reportedly stopped working, according to Zelensky, less than a week later.