NewsLukashenko dismisses Military Chief over age, amid sanctions and dissent
Lukashenko dismisses Military Chief over age, amid sanctions and dissent
5:23 AM EDT, May 11, 2024
Aleksandr Lukashenko has relieved General Viktor Gulevich of his duties as the Chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Belarus. The decision was based on Gulevich's advancing age, and he was consequently moved into reserve status.
The official decree, signed by Lukashenko, highlights that while Gulevich will transition to reserve status due to his age, he will retain the permission to wear his military uniform and insignia. The military officer will celebrate his 55th birthday in the upcoming days.
Gulevich's military career began after graduating from the Moscow Higher Combined Arms Command School in 1990. His service commenced in the Transcaucasian Military District, and following the dissolution of the USSR, he returned to serve in Belarus.
Throughout his career, Gulevich held various positions within the Belarusian armed forces, ultimately becoming the Chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Belarus and Deputy Minister of Defense in March 2021.
According to reports by Nasha Niva, Gulevich was notably among the Belarusian military officers who, in 2022, expressed opposition to Belarus's participation in the invasion of Ukraine.
Despite his stance, in 2022, Gulevich found himself on the sanction lists of several nations and entities, including the European Union, Australia, the United Kingdom, Canada, Japan, New Zealand, Switzerland, and Ukraine.
