Belarusians will be mobilized via text message

The Belarusian authorities are introducing sending out summonses via text messages, along with new penalties for attempting to evade military service.

BBC reported about this.

Telephone operators will be required to send messages according to lists from the KGB and military registration and enlistment offices, and Belarusians must report to the military enlistment office about the change in phone number.

It is also reported that the military will be able to receive messages about mobilization via text messages.

At the request of military registration and enlistment offices or the KGB, telephone operators will be obliged to provide information about the numbers of Belarusians on military records within a week.

In addition, after the adoption of the law, paper summons can be handed not only at the place of residence but also “at the place of stay,” that is, anywhere, at work or in cafes.

The law “On Mobilization Training and Mobilization” also introduces the concept of “reinforcement apparatus”.

It regards “citizens involved in assisting military commissariats, state security agencies in issuing alerts, conscription, and sending mobilization resources to the Armed Forces, other troops, and military formations.”

Those who are in the “reinforcement apparatus” will be involved by military enlistment offices to participate in exercises, training, and classes conducted by military authorities. During these events, they will keep their jobs, salaries, etc.

This draft law is not yet on the agenda on the House of Representatives website, but it is likely to be included in the near future. If passed, the law will come into force the day after its official publication.

On September 26, Militarnyi reported that the Belarusian territorial defense uses the captured Ukrainian-made KrAZ Cobra armored vehicle in the exercises.

The armored vehicle, repainted in black, was spotted at the Osipovichsky training ground belonging to the 51st Guards Artillery Brigade.