In the Vitebsk region, about one hundred future paratroopers have departed for their compulsory military service.

Around a hundred conscripts from the northern region have departed for their conscription service – to the 103rd Vitebsk Separate Guards Airborne Brigade, BELTA correspondent reports.

The future paratroopers were among the first to be sent for their conscription service in the current autumn draft. Their departure point was Victory Square – a landmark not only for the residents of Vitebsk but for the entire region. "This is a place of strength, where, in the face of our heroic ancestors who forged Victory for their country, the young men step into adult life. The recruits begin their service in the Armed Forces of our Motherland and understand the full responsibility that falls upon them – to defend Belarus, to have the right attitude towards service. Much depends on them. The stronger and more robust the army, the more peaceful the lives of the citizens of our state," said Vyacheslav Durnov, Deputy Chairman of the Vitebsk Regional Executive Committee, to journalists.

Addressing the young reinforcement of the special operations forces units, he added that military service is not only a duty for every young man but also an honorable obligation. "This is a serious school of life. The Armed Forces serve as a guarantee of national security and stable development of Belarus, therefore, the defenders of the Fatherland command great respect. A special responsibility rests upon you – to defend our Motherland. The history of the Belarusian state is full of examples of valor, courage, glory, bravery, and fortitude of our soldiers and officers. And for us, their successors, devotion to the Fatherland is the main value and a reliable pillar of the country's independence," emphasized the Deputy Chairman of the Regional Executive Committee.

Approximately 1.7 thousand recruits from the Vitebsk region will be called up for active military service during the autumn conscription, and about 20 individuals will be assigned to reserve service. "Although you are still in civilian attire, you are already servicemen. You are embarking on active military service. It is a noble and sacred duty for every man to defend his Motherland. You are among the first to depart from here and will serve in a renowned unit that represents both the city of Vitebsk and the Vitebsk region. You are to serve with honour, acquire military occupational specialties, and master the knowledge, skills, and abilities that I wish you to apply only in training exercises, not in real life. I wish you high spirits, strong camaraderie, and peaceful skies above your heads," said Colonel Sergey Kunakhovets, Deputy Military Commissar of the Vitebsk Region, in his parting words to the soon-to-be paratroopers.

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