Belarus emerges as one of backbones of Russian war economy, AP says
Aleksandr Lukashenko and Vladimir Putin (photo: Getty Images)
Belarus has become one of the key pillars of the Russian military machine in the war against Ukraine, despite not officially deploying its own troops to the battlefield, according to Associated Press.
The media states that, since the start of the full-scale invasion, Belarus has played a critical role in supporting Moscow's war effort.
Belarusian enterprises produce key components for Russia's military-industrial complex, including microchips and other electronics, optical targeting systems, artillery ammunition, and heavy trucks used to transport Russian ballistic missiles.
Ukrainian presidential sanctions envoy Vladyslav Vlasiuk said that fragments of the Oreshnik ballistic missile, which Russia launched at Ukraine on May 24, contained microchips from Belarus. He called on Western allies to tighten sanctions pressure on Minsk.
500 factories to serve Kremlin
BELPOL, a group made up of former Belarusian military and law enforcement officers opposed to Lukashenko, says Belarusian industry is effectively integrated into Russia's war machine.
More than 500 Belarusian industrial enterprises are involved in weapons and ammunition production, military equipment repair, and logistics support.
"Lukashenko's regime is quite seriously involved in the war. Lukashenko is helping Russia in every way he can," BELPOL head Uladzimir Zhyhar told the agency.
Training grounds, hospitals, drills
Beyond production, Belarus provides Moscow with training areas, conducts joint drills, and hosts wounded Russian soldiers in its hospitals.
In the Gomel region, which borders Ukraine, Zhyhar said construction has begun on a large military training ground and barracks designed for a substantial contingent.
The very presence of the Belarusian border forces Ukraine to keep significant troops stationed in the north, diverting them from the more than 1,000-kilometer front line.
Belarus as springboard
Zhyhar stressed that Belarus effectively lacks military sovereignty: "As soon as Moscow sees it as necessary for its strategy, Moscow will naturally use Belarus as a launchpad for a new invasion of Ukraine or some kind of armed conflict with NATO countries."
He said Belarusian territory is a "very convenient springboard" for such operations.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said last week that intelligence indicates Moscow is stepping up efforts to deepen Belarus's involvement in the war and begin additional aggressive operations from Belarusian territory.
Zelenskyy ordered preparations for a response and strengthened defenses in the north. Lukashenko has denied any aggressive intentions.
Notably, since the start of the full-scale war, Belarus has provided Russia with territory, military infrastructure, and Soviet-era weapons from its stockpiles, as well as support for Russian strike drones — including through airborne relay balloons.
In April 2026, Lukashenko told Russian state media outlet RT that he would consider using his full arsenal, including nuclear weapons, if neighboring countries were to attack Belarus.
