State
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Lukashenka signs decrees on appointments in the leadership of the Ministry of Defense and the Armed Forces

According to the head of state's press service, the rotation affected the top command. Major General Vadzim Surou, who had previously commanded the Western Operational Command, has been appointed deputy minister of defense.

Alexander Lukashenka — Lukashenka signs decrees on appointments in the leadership of the Ministry of Defense and the Armed Forces
In the illustration: Alexander Lukashenka

Belarusian President Alaksandr Lukashenka has made personnel appointments in the leadership of the Ministry of Defense and the Armed Forces.

He signed the decrees on 14 October, the head of state's press service reported. According to the press service, the rotation affected the top command. Appointments were made to the posts of deputy minister of defense, first deputy chief of the General Staff, head of the Main Intelligence Directorate and head of the Main Military Inspectorate.

Non-state Belarusian media also write about broader changes. According to their reports, Viktar Khrenin, who previously commanded the troops of the Western Operational Command, has been appointed minister of defense, and Alaksandr Volfovich, previously first deputy chief of the General Staff, has been appointed chief of the General Staff. The press service's list does not include a post of minister of defense.

One of the moves is named specifically: Major General Vadzim Surou has become deputy minister of defense. He has been relieved of his post as commander of the troops of the Armed Forces' Western Operational Command.

Information about the decrees was released by Lukashenka's press service, and so far it is the only source for the content of the documents. The data provided contain no independent confirmation of the list of posts, so the details should be read as the press service's own account. It is not yet known what changes to the structure of the Armed Forces accompany these appointments.

The new appointments come against the background of recent changes to the rules of military service. In June 2025, Lukashenka signed Decree No. 233, which adjusted the provisions on the performance of military service. And in May 2023, amendments were made to the law "On Military Duty and Military Service": the deferral from service was abolished for Belarusians studying abroad, with an exception for those receiving education abroad under state programmes.

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