Kyiv: Ukraine stated that it has seen no signs of a Belarusian military buildup near its border, contradicting recent claims from Minsk about increased troop deployments in the area.
“In recent days, we have not observed any movement or buildup of Belarusian forces, including units, equipment, and personnel near our border,” said Andriy Demchenko, spokesperson for Ukraine’s border guard service.
On Saturday, Belarus, a close ally of the Kremlin and located to Ukraine’s north, announced that it was sending additional troops to reinforce its border with Ukraine. This move came after Belarus accused Kyiv of violating its airspace with drones.
If Belarus were to significantly increase its military presence, it could potentially force Ukraine to reallocate its already stretched troops to the northern border, a critical juncture given the ongoing tensions with Russia.
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In the wake of Russia’s full-scale invasion nearly two and a half years ago, Ukraine recently executed a surprise cross-border incursion into Russia’s Kursk region. Russia reported increased Ukrainian military activity near the Belgorod region on Monday.
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Demchenko suggested that Belarus’s statements about a military buildup might be part of a coordinated information campaign with Russia aimed at pressuring Ukraine. “Most likely, they will be compelled to move equipment and personnel in small numbers to create the appearance of a buildup. If any movement occurs, it will probably be deeper within Belarusian territory,” Demchenko added.
