Kubrakou Urges Traffic Police Officers To Be Ready To Use Firearms

Reform.news Editorial Team · 14 November 2026, 16:39

https://reform.news/en/kubrakou-urges-traffic-police-officers-to-be-ready-to-use-firearms/

Belarusian Interior Minister Ivan Kubrakou has urged traffic police officers to be prepared to use firearms if necessary. He made the statement during a briefing for traffic police personnel.

“Any risk must be justified. It is also important to be ready to use firearms if necessary. Take care of yourselves — that is the main thing. As for everything else, I am 150% sure that we will restore order!” the Interior Ministry’s press service quoted him as saying.

The head of the ministry also demanded that any unlawful actions by citizens against police officers, including threats, be documented.

“Do not be afraid of anyone — you represent the Law! Our president often says: act in accordance with the law, and everything will be fine. And I, as head of the Interior Ministry, will always protect you!” he said.

The briefing was held at the Minsk Regional Executive Committee’s Department of Internal Affairs, with the participation of the leadership of the Interior Ministry’s Main Traffic Police Department, the Strela special traffic police unit and the regional traffic police. Heads of regional departments received instructions via video link.

Kubrakou ordered tighter enforcement of traffic regulations, including through the use of the National Public Security Monitoring System. Pedestrian crossings, major intersections and exits from large населённые пункты were to be subject to particular scrutiny.

“Respond promptly! Use mixed patrols involving civilian vehicles. The priorities remain identifying drunk drivers, drivers without licences and other serious violations,” he said.

The interior minister also said that a fair approach to punishing drivers was necessary. According to him, drivers should not lose their licences for minor violations, especially when their employment depends on being able to drive. At the same time, strict measures should be taken against serious offenders.

According to the Interior Ministry, 15 people died in road accidents across Belarus over the past week. In response, Kubrakou ordered an analysis of the causes of the crashes and the development of additional measures to reduce accident rates.

As previously reported, traffic police officers across the country have been placed on heightened duty from November 12 to 22.