NewsBelarusian military chief ousted amid controversy over Ukraine stance

Belarusian military chief ousted amid controversy over Ukraine stance

Alaksandr Łukaszenka

Images source: © president.gov.by

11 May 2024 07:52

Aleksandr Lukashenko has dismissed General Viktor Gulevich from the position of Chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Belarus. The statement highlighted that Gulevich is moving to the reserve because of his age but retains the right to wear military uniforms and insignia. The military officer is set to turn 55 in just a few days.

Gulevich graduated from the Moscow Higher Combined Arms Command School in 1990. His service began in the Transcaucasian Military District, and following the dissolution of the USSR, he returned to Belarus.

Throughout his career, Gulevich has occupied various roles within the Belarusian army. Notably, in March 2021, he was appointed as the Chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Belarus and became the Deputy Minister of Defense.

According to reports from "Nasha Niva," in 2022, Gulevich expressed opposition to Belarus's participation in the invasion of Ukraine.

Despite his stance, the general found himself on the sanction lists of several entities, including the European Union, Australia, Great Britain, Canada, Japan, New Zealand, Switzerland, and Ukraine, in the same year.