Camilla Jessen
Belarus prepares a martial law bill, citing threats to the Russian-Belarusian union state.
Belarus is moving toward adopting a new legal framework that would allow the government to declare martial law in response to perceived military threats linked to Russia’s ongoing war against Ukraine.
The Announcement
The new martial law was announced by the Belarusian Ministry of Defense on August 5.
According to a report by United24 Media, the law reflects escalating tensions along the country’s borders and a deepening military alignment with Moscow.
Targets “Military Security and Defense”
The draft law, titled “On Amending Laws Regarding the Provision of Military Security and Defense”, has been submitted to the lower house of Belarus’ parliament.
Developed by the Defense Ministry, the bill seeks to update the functions of the Belarusian Armed Forces and clearly define the role of the General Staff in ensuring national defense.
One key feature of the bill is its expanded list of “military threats” that could trigger the imposition of martial law. The amendments align with Belarus’ updated military doctrine and redefine when emergency powers could be activated.
Attacks on Russia Could Trigger Belarusian Martial Law
Notably, the bill introduces new language that would allow Belarus to declare martial law in response to acts of armed aggression not just against its own territory, but also against the so-called Union State of Russia and Belarus.
This means that Ukrainian attacks on Russian military facilities—whether inside Russia or in occupied Ukrainian territories—could theoretically justify a state of emergency in Belarus, even if Belarusian territory itself remains untouched.
The Russian-Belarusian Union State
The Union State, formalized through a 1999 treaty, aims to integrate Russia and Belarus in various spheres, including defense.
The proposed legal changes suggest Belarus views threats to Russia as direct threats to its own security structure.
Military Drills Intensify on Belarus’ Western Flank
Belarus has already been ramping up its military readiness along its borders with Ukraine and Poland.
In June, large-scale mobilization exercises were held in the Brest region, which shares a border with both countries. The drills included both active-duty soldiers and reservists from Belarus’ Territorial Troops.
These exercises coincide with broader regional tensions, including Germany’s deployment of Eurofighter jets to neighboring Poland—a move seen as a counterbalance to upcoming Russian-Belarusian joint military maneuvers dubbed “Zapad-2025.”
Could Belarus Enter the Ukraine War?
While Belarus has not committed its military forces directly to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, it has allowed Russian troops to use its territory as a staging ground.
Analysts warn that the new legislation could be a legal prelude for deeper Belarusian involvement in the conflict if the situation on the battlefield escalates further.
