Belarus recalls men previously deemed 'unfit in peacetime' for new medical checks

Belarusian authorities have begun summoning some men liable for military service who were previously classified as "unfit in peacetime" for new medical examinations, including those who have already turned 27, according to lawyers from a group that assists draftees, as reported by the news outlet Zerkalo.

The lawyers explained that men with this designation are considered only partly fit for service — and only in wartime. They are exempt from the draft and placed in the reserves, but are required to undergo a medical examination at least once every three years. This requirement ends when a man turns 27. However, one lawyer noted that if a man classified as "unfit in peacetime" is re-examined after turning 27 — for any reason — and is found fit, he could be summoned for training exercises. A colleague said this practice is illegal.

The lawyers said they are aware of several such cases, though they did not provide an exact number. Before the spring of 2026, they had never encountered this practice, and they have no information about what happened to those who agreed to be re-examined.

The development comes amid increased military activity in Belarus. In April 2026, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said military activity in Belarus had increased, citing Ukrainian intelligence. He suggested that Russia wanted to "try once again to drag Belarus into its war." The Wall Street Journal reported that Moscow had mounted a pressure campaign against Minsk.

In early June, Zelensky demanded that Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko remove signal repeaters along the border that allegedly help direct Russian strikes. A few days later, Zelensky said the repeaters had been removed. In late June, Lukashenko denied that Minsk was under such pressure and said he had recently met with Zelensky's representatives in Minsk. However, on June 29, Ukraine again detected the repeaters in operation.

Oleksandr Syrsky, the commander-in-chief of Ukraine's armed forces, said on June 30 that Russia was still weighing an offensive from Belarusian territory. He expressed doubt, however, that Lukashenko would agree to it. Even so, Syrsky noted, Ukraine is taking the scenario into account.