Lukashenko signs army draft decree

Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko signed a decree on February 23 providing for the conscription of male citizens for compulsory military service and reserve call-ups in March-May 2026. The decree also provides for the discharge into reserve of military personnel who have completed their prescribed term of service. The provisions apply to individuals who have reached the age of 18 and do not have the right to deferment from conscription, as well as to forced male citizens of conscription age who have lost the right to deferment.