Belarus boosts border forces amid rising Ukraine tensions
Andrej Łukianowicz, commander of the Belarusian air and missile defence forces, revealed on Monday that additional anti-aircraft defence forces had been sent to the border with Ukraine. This move is related to the Ukrainian army's actions in the Kursk region.
A few days ago, Alexander Lukashenko admitted that almost one-third of the Belarusian army had been sent to the border with Ukraine.
Seeing their aggressive policy, we have deployed our troops along the entire border at certain points, said the Belarusian dictator in an interview with Russian state television, as quoted by Reuters.
On Monday, August 19, Belarusian Air and Missile Defence Commander Andrej Łukianowicz confirmed on state television that additional anti-aircraft defence forces, aircraft, and other types of military equipment had been sent to the border with Ukraine.
According to PAP, after the unexpected offensive by Ukrainian forces deep into the Kursk region in Russia, Lukashenko - a loyal ally of Russian dictator Vladimir Putin - accused Kyiv of aggressive policies and the deployment of 120,000 soldiers at the border with Belarus.
The border area between Belarus and Ukraine has been an area of heightened activity by both countries for some time. This area is strategically important, and any changes in its security are significant for both Kyiv and Minsk.
What does Belarus's behaviour mean?
Strengthening the border by Belarus can have wide-ranging political and military consequences. Experts indicate that this could be another step in Lukashenko's strategy to strengthen his internal power and show support for Russia in its conflict with Ukraine.
Conversely, such an escalation could lead to increased tensions not only in the region but also on the international stage.
