Lukashenko signs decree on conscription

On February 23, Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko signed a decree "On Discharge into the Reserve and Conscription for Compulsory Military Service and Reserve Service." The document states that from March to May 2026, men who have reached the age of 18 and do not have the right to deferment, as well as those of conscription age who have lost the right to deferment, may be called up for military service. The decree also provides for discharging into the reserve military personnel who have completed their prescribed service terms. This change aims to update the conscription system and army reserve management.