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Employees of the Ozery agricultural enterprise continue to daily feed the bison inhabiting the territory of the national landscape reserve in Grodno District, gamekeeper Aleksei Vrublevsky told BelTA.
According to Aleksei Vrublevsky, the bison (of which there are about 500 in the reserve) are weathering the low temperatures calmly. Human care helps. “When there is food, the animals’ heat exchange functions. If they are full, they are warm. And it doesn’t matter to them how hard the frost is,” said the gamekeeper.
Employees lay out feed at 20 special sites. This process begins long before the cold weather sets in. For example, in August, after the harvest, wild animals are offered seed cleanings. Year-round, salt licks are put out for them, needed to replenish micronutrients after bison calving, and for deer, for example, to support antler growth. With the arrival of cold weather, the menu is supplemented with other treats loved not only by bison but also by other wild inhabitants. Silage, beets, apples, and hay are laid out for the animals. Feed is gradually delivered to different sites. Incidentally, during the season, the animals consume 50 tonnes of hay, 50 tonnes of apple waste, 5 tonnes of salt, about 80 tonnes of seed cleanings, and nearly 500 tonnes of haylage. “An animal won’t be cold if it’s full,” Aleksei Vrublevsky said.
“The bison aren’t completely trusting, of course. They become wary. But, for instance, they already know the sound of the vehicle that brings the feed. And before the tractor has even driven away, they are already standing ready to come out and eat. If they sense danger somewhere, they move aside and run into the forest. But eventually, they come out anyway,” the gamekeeper said.
According to Aleksei Vrublevsky, specialists also adjust the amount of feed depending on the size of the herd that has taken a liking to a site. “Right now, for example, a large herd has arrived, about 200-250 heads, bunched together. And one tractor trailer, which holds 4-5 tonnes, is a bit little for this herd. So sometimes we take out even two trailers of feed to one site in a day to make sure they have enough,” he explained. “If the animal is full, it won’t freeze, which means less mortality among the young.”
Specialists say the bison will keep coming to the feeding sites until the snow melts. “They will continue to come to the sites for now. But as soon as the grass appears, when it gets warm, this need will disappear, and they will start feeding in the forest,” Aleksei Vrublevsky said. Incidentally, they also use a distraction tactic here, sowing special fields with winter crops to keep the animals from encroaching on the enterprise’s crops or heading toward the road.
On 18 February, Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko heard a report from State Secretary of the Security Council of Belarus Aleksandr Volfovich on the progress of a large-scale inspection of the Armed Forces’ combat readiness conducted by order of the head of state, BelTA has learned.
The head of state was informed about the completion of the second stage, which assessed the combat readiness of most military units across nearly all branches of the Armed Forces, including special operations forces. Control exercises were conducted at training grounds focusing on firearms and physical training, which the president had emphasized as a priority.
During the combat readiness inspection, units of the Internal Troops of the Ministry of Internal Affairs acted as a simulated enemy. The president was given a preliminary assessment of how the Armed Forces and Internal Troops personnel performed and how professionally they accomplished their assigned tasks.
Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Serbia to Belarus Ilina Vukajlović is on a working visit to Brest. One of the key issues is cooperation in healthcare, BelTA has learned.
The diplomat visited Brest Oblast Clinical Hospital. The healthcare facility treats patients from around the world. Last year, it provided care to citizens of Bulgaria, Russia, Kazakhstan, Poland, Ukraine, Türkiye, and other nations. A patient from the Comoro Islands was also treated there.
“Basically, this involves consultations with our specialists. We also provide ongoing treatment for regular patients under cooperation agreements. Patients are met at the airport, escorted to Brest, and provided with accommodation. We have been doing this kind of coordinated work for several years now and have built up significant experience,” chief physician of Brest Oblast Clinical Hospital Aleksandr Karpitsky noted. “Organ transplantation is the top priority, followed by cardiac surgery and large joint replacement.”
Brest Oblast Hospital is interested in expanding its network of partners. “We have chosen friendly Serbia among others. In 2025, we made two visits to Belgrade thanks to Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Belarus to Serbia Sergei Malinovsky. He helped us and arranged a meeting with the health minister. We discussed how to establish contacts, possible cooperation options, medical assistance, and clinical research. We visited the National University Clinical Center and reached an understanding that cooperation should continue,” Aleksandr Karpitsky said.
Ilina Vukajlović’s visit aims to continue the dialogue on forging ties. “We are still at the discussion phase. We would like to give them tangible form by signing an actual cooperation agreement,” Aleksandr Karpitsky stated.
The diplomat emphasized Serbia’s openness in relations with Belarus. She particularly noted the world-class quality of medicine in our country and the professionalism of specialists. “Your healthcare system and management are at a very high level. We are ready to consider cooperation proposals, which is very encouraging. We see no barriers at all,” the Serbian ambassador said.
Belarus President Aleksandr Lukashenko has congratulated Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić on Statehood Day, the press service of the Belarusian leader told BelTA.
“Our country rejoices in Serbia’s impressive achievements in securing the stability of the national economy and improving the prosperity of its citizens in today’s extremely complicated conditions,” the congratulatory message reads.
The head of state emphasized that despite obstacles and challenges Minsk and Belgrade find new opportunities for cooperation in priority areas.
The president confirmed his unchanging interest in developing fruitful cooperation with Serbia, in continuing political dialogue, and expanding contacts at all levels.
“We are intent on defending our common goals and values in the international arena and supporting each other on topical issues on the regional agenda and the global one in the future. I am confident that the successful partnership between Minsk and Belgrade will contribute to peace and stability on the European continent,” the Belarusian leader stressed.
Aleksandr Lukashenko wished Aleksandar Vučić good health, the fulfillment of his plans, and success in his responsible state activities, and wished the fraternal Serbian people prosperity and progress.
On Sunday, 15 February the Orthodox Church celebrated the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord Jesus at the Temple. This is one of the great feasts of the Orthodox calendar, standing alongside Christmas and the Epiphany of the Lord.
According to Old Testament law, every firstborn male was to be consecrated to God; however, this rite could not be performed until at least 40 days after the boy's birth. The parents were required not only to present the child to God but also to offer a purification sacrifice. In fulfillment of this requirement, Mary and Joseph brought the infant Jesus to the Jerusalem Temple, and for the sacrifice, they chose two young pigeons. The Most Holy Virgin Mary had no need for purification, but out of deep humility, she submitted to the requirement.
Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko is personally inspecting the combat readiness of the Armed Forces. As part of a snap inspection, the head of state arrived at the 227th combined arms training ground in Borisov District on 13 February, BelTA has learned.
Upon arrival, the head of state heard a report on the progress of the inspection. Details were provided by Defense Minister Viktor Khrenin, who was informed of the president’s unexpected visit only at 7 am.
Aleksandr Lukashenko inquired about the preliminary results of the inspection. “The army is capable of fighting. All marches were completed, no personnel or equipment were lost along the way,” State Secretary of the Security Council Aleksandr Volfovich said.
Belarusian Defense Minister Viktor Khrenin talked to reporters on 13 February and explained what effect the snap inspection of the combat readiness of the Armed Forces is expected to produce, BelTA has learned.
Viktor Khrenin said: “As an effect we have to stay on our toes all the time. Military personnel should be ready morally and physically. And certainly, they need professional training.”
The minister remarked that if an armed conflict begins, the adversary counts on surprise and tries to dictate terms. “We should avoid a situation where we get overwhelmed, where we are at a loss and disperse. We should retaliate right away,” he stated.
When asked about the progress of the Belarusian army’s snap inspection authorized by the head of state, Viktor Khrenin noted that it is too early to sum up the results yet. “The commander-in-chief has personally inspected the combat readiness of the Armed Forces. He examined the deployment area and the battalion’s command post, heard a report from the commanding officer, and evaluated the accommodation and amenities available to the military personnel,” the Defense Ministry head pointed out.
Apart from that, the Belarus president checked shooting skills of the military personnel. “Yes, one shooter did not do well. Another one did better. But it will be just like that [in an actual firefight]. Some have better training. Some have worse training,” Viktor Khrenin stated.
Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko has received an invitation to attend the first meeting of leaders for the Board of Peace, press secretary of the Belarusian president Natalya Eismont told BelTA.
"Indeed, an invitation to the first meeting of leaders within the framework of the Board of Peace has been extended to the Belarusian president. Unfortunately, we received it late, and the president's work schedule for this period had already been planned. Yes, we would gladly visit the United States of America, but there are matters that cannot be postponed,” the press secretary stated. “Furthermore, we are also taking into account potential logistical difficulties that may arise due to illegal sanctions, primarily those by the European Union, given the closure of EU airspace.”
“As a result, while we appreciate the invitation, the president will not be able to participate in this event. At the same time, let me emphasize: we fully share the commitment of the U.S. president and the Board of Peace to resolving all global conflicts through peaceful means,” Natalya Eismont said.
She noted that the Minister of Foreign Affairs will represent Belarus in Washington. He is fully versed in the matters of Belarus’ participation in the Board of Peace and other issues concerning the regional situation and bilateral Belarusian-U.S relations.
“The USA has already been informed of this decision,” the press secretary said.
As it has been reported, the United States plans to hold a Board of Peace meeting in Washington on 19 February.
Trade between Belarus and China can be significantly increased, as China has demand for Belarusian goods, political scientist Piotr Petrovsky said in a new episode of the V Teme [On Point] project on BelTA’s YouTube channel.
“I believe that the share of Belarusian-Chinese trade could be doubled or even increased two and a half times. There is demand for this. The fact is that China is transitioning to a so-called dual circulation economy, where exports and imports need to be balanced,” Piotr Petrovsky said. Currently, a significant portion of goods manufactured in China is exported. In the analyst’s view, this is also a disadvantage for China, as it creates dependence on the situation in sales markets.
In his opinion, China wants to boost domestic consumption, not only of its own goods but also of products from strategic partners and allies. “Belarus should move in this direction,” he added. The political analyst noted that Belarusian goods could be more widely represented not only in traditional retail but also in Chinese online stores.
Piotr Petrovsky also highlighted the development of joint manufacturing ventures between Belarus and China. He cited cooperation between Minsk Automobile Plant (MAZ trademark) and Chinese engine manufacturer Weichai as an example. “We have started producing all the components for MAZ products that were previously purchased abroad - engines, assemblies, gearboxes. This allowed us to weather the negative impact of sanctions with almost no losses,” the analyst emphasized.
He also pointed out that Belarus not only fulfils all its transit obligations for Chinese goods but also serves as a strong technological hub for Chinese manufacturers, which is an equally important area of cooperation.
Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko emphasized the need to further strengthen the country's defense capabilities. This topic was the focus of a meeting to discuss the Armed Forces procurement and the development of the military-industrial complex of the Republic of Belarus, BelTA has learned.
Aleksandr Lukashenko emphasized that in modern conditions, only a state capable of ensuring its own military security can be considered self-sufficient. “Whether we like it or not but we will have to strengthen our defense capabilities. I have long warned the Belarusian people about this, and you are even more aware of it ,” the head of state said.
“The military build-up near our borders, particularly in Poland, does more than just concern us. We understand that such actions are not taken without reason. People do not simply spend money on tanks and ammunition for no purpose. Therefore, in light of the special military operation by the Russian Federation, I made the decision at the time to strengthen our defense capabilities on an even larger scale,” the president said.
Tourist facilities of the district
Туристический портал Воложинского района
