Сeremony to honor graduates of higher military educational institutions and senior officers

Only a country that has a strong, well-armed military loyal to its people can be truly sovereign, Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko said at a ceremony honoring graduates of higher military educational institutions and senior officers in Minsk on 6 July.

The head of state noted that the ceremony honoring military academy graduates and officers promoted to the rank of general is traditionally held in early July, a timing that perfectly complements the Independence Day celebrations. “This connection is highly symbolic,” the President said.

“Especially now, only a country that has a strong, well-equipped army, loyal to its people and the state, and staffed with true professionals, can be truly sovereign,” the Belarusian leader stated.

Aleksandr Lukashenko emphasized that for many years, Belarus has been building, developing, and strengthening its Armed Forces – the primary guarantor of independence and territorial integrity.

“The deployment of the Oreshnik mobile missile system and tactical nuclear weapons in Belarus has become a serious factor of strategic deterrence, capable of cooling down hotheads,” the President emphasized. “This weaponry significantly boosts our defensive capabilities.”

“We are not brandishing these issues, nor are we raising them to intimidate anyone. But you must understand that these weapons are not just military surplus that was dumped in Belarus. You understand better than I do what some weapons are designed for. And those hotheads must calm down,” the head of state continued.

At the same time, the President sees no reason to rest on one’s laurels. On the contrary, an immense amount of work lies ahead, as made evident by the outcomes of the recent combat readiness inspection.

“Each of you, especially those who have received the rank of general, has a considerable knowledge and experience under your belt, which our country badly needs today. All graduates will be leading military units as early as tomorrow and will be engaged in improving the forms and methods of maintaining and deploying military units according to their designated purpose,” Aleksandr Lukashenko said as he addressed the participants of the event.

“The Belarusian people endured unimaginable trials during the years of fascist occupation and reject war at the genetic level,” the head of state said.

“We are peaceful people, we do not want to fight, but we have no intention of bowing our heads before an enemy either,” the President declared.

“While hypocritically declaring its commitment to peace, the European Union has openly embarked on a path of militarization, which practically means NATO. Billions are being spent on the procurement of offensive strike weapons. At the same time, absurd hysteria is being fanned around a sham ‘threat from the East,’” the President stated.

The conflict in Ukraine remains the primary flashpoint of tension in the region, he noted. “The international ‘party of war’ is doing everything in its power to prolong this armed confrontation,” the head of state pointed out.

Aleksandr Lukashenko pointed to the ongoing hybrid war against Belarus, which involves economic dictation, political and media pressure, active espionage, and provocations along the country’s southern borders.

“Certain Western politicians are simply irritated by our autonomy and independence, our alliance with Russia, and our commitment to a peaceful settlement of the conflict in Ukraine. Let me emphasize once again, no one is going to send you into this slaughter. We do not need war; it is tragic that war is going on in Ukraine. We advocate for a peaceful resolution of issues, but as I have stated, the international ‘party of war’ does not want this,” he added.

“It is clear that the heirs of the Third Reich are haunted by phantom pains of the past military defeats of their grandfathers and great-grandfathers. They are consumed by a relentless thirst for revenge,” the President noted.

The head of state emphasized that Belarusians have learned the lessons of history well: “The Belarusian people endured incredible hardships during the years of Nazi occupation, so they reject war at a genetic level.”

“We are a peaceful nation and we do not want war, but we refuse to bow down before any enemy," the Belarusian leader said.

Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko presented general’s shoulder straps to senior officers in a ceremony at the Palace of Independence.

Major general shoulder straps were presented to Colonels Aleksandr Ageichik and Dmitry Sobol, and Major General of Justice shoulder straps - to Colonel of Justice Maksim Sprintsyn.

The shoulder straps of State Counselor of the Customs Service 3rd Rank were presented to the Head of the Vitebsk Customs Office Sergei Linkevich and those of State Counselor of Justice 3rd Class - to Prosecutor of Gomel Oblast Oleg Avdei.

Aleksandr Lukashenko also presented special letters of commendation from the President of Belarus to graduates in recognition of their academic excellence.

Addressing the generals, the President emphasized: “You are those whom people perceive in a special way. In our country, it is not easy to attain a military rank of this level. This is not only an honor and respect, but also the highest responsibility and accountability. Remember, people have entrusted us with the most precious thing they have – their peaceful present and future. People are counting on us. On our energy and initiative, responsibility, professionalism, resilience, and courage.”

“Yes, we do not have a huge army. But you win with ability, not with numbers, and you know this better than I do. The one who has the ability wins. Therefore, our army must know how to fight, overcoming all kinds of difficulties. What needs to be done for this has been laid out,” the head of state noted. “The most important thing: where there is an officer, there is an army. Without officers, there will be no army.”

“These are challenging times. We are men. We must protect not only our country but our families, our people, our loved ones. Their eyes are on us. We must do all we can so that their trust is not misplaced and so that the people never have to question whether they are feeding us in vain,” the President added.

Aleksandr Lukashenko extended his heartfelt congratulations to all those present on their successful graduation from military academies and promotion to the rank of general, wishing them success in life and a strong home front.