Belarus has announced that it is increasing its border protection measures, including deploying rocket artillery units, after a security incident near the border with Ukraine. The Belarusian Ministry of Defense stated that they are working with border guards to strengthen national border protection, airspace control, and territorial surveillance.
In response to the incident, a Polonez heavy rocket artillery unit was deployed near the border with Ukraine. The commander of the unit stated that the unit is on the battlefield with full ammunition, ready to attack designated targets within minutes. This deployment comes after the Belarusian State Border Committee reported the presence of Russian Volunteer Corps units near the Belarus-Ukraine border.
The committee cited a security incident involving the shooting down of a drone that had crossed into Belarusian airspace from Ukraine. The drone was found spying on industrial facilities and infrastructure near the border. In addition to this incident, a cache of explosives was discovered near the border.
Belarus is closely aligned with Russia, and President Alexander Lukashenko has previously allowed Russian forces to use Belarusian territory to launch operations against Ukraine. Ukrainian officials have not commented on the recent developments, and Belarus remains on alert in case of any further escalation in the region.
The announcement by Belarus comes amid rising tensions between Russia and Ukraine over ongoing military conflict in eastern Ukraine. The conflict began in 2014 when pro-Russian separatists rebelled against Ukraine’s government, leading to an armed conflict that has since claimed thousands of lives.
Belarus has been accused by international leaders of supporting Russia’s efforts in eastern Ukraine through its close alignment with Moscow and allowing Russian forces to use its territory for operations against Ukraine.
As tensions continue to rise in the region, both Russia and Ukraine have accused each other of violating ceasefire agreements reached under international mediation efforts.
Despite these challenges, many experts believe that any significant escalation would have serious consequences for both countries and could lead to a wider conflict involving NATO countries.
The deployment of rocket artillery units by Belarus raises concerns about its ability to defend its borders effectively and prevent any further encroachment by Russian forces or separatist groups operating along its frontiers.
With tensions continuing to simmer in Eastern Europe, it remains unclear what impact this latest development will have on regional stability and security.
