Belarus has announced that it is intensifying its border protection measures, including deploying rocket artillery units, following a security incident in the region bordering Ukraine. The Belarusian Ministry of Defense stated that they are coordinating with border guards to implement a series of measures aimed at enhancing national border protection, airspace control, and territorial surveillance.
The commander of the Polonez rocket artillery unit stated that the unit has been deployed to the battlefield with full ammunition, switched to combat status, and is prepared to target designated areas with missile attacks at a distance of up to 300 km within 20 minutes of receiving the order. This move comes after the Belarusian State Border Committee reported the presence of units of the Russian Volunteer Corps near the Belarus-Ukraine border.
In an earlier incident, a cache of explosives was discovered near the border. Despite these developments, Ukrainian officials have not commented on the situation. Belarus, a close ally of Russia, has allowed Russia to use its territory for military operations in the past. President Lukashenko has expressed readiness to permit Russian military operations from Belarus again and warned that Minsk would join the war if attacked by Ukraine. The situation remains tense as border protection measures are heightened and regional security concerns persist.
On June 26th, a drone was shot down by border guards near the Belarus-Ukraine border. It was later revealed that it was spying on industrial facilities and infrastructure near the border. This incident prompted Belarus to increase its efforts to protect its borders.
Belarus’s decision to deploy rocket artillery units near its borders shows how serious they are about protecting their country’s interests. The deployment comes after reports that Russian Volunteer Corps were spotted in Ukraine’s vicinity.
The commander of Polonez rocket artillery unit confirmed that they have been deployed with full ammunition and are ready for combat at any moment.
Despite this heightening of security measures, Ukrainian officials have remained silent on the matter.
President Lukashenko had previously stated his willingness for Russian military operations from Belarus again if necessary.
As tensions rise between Russia and Ukraine, it remains unclear how long these increased security measures will last or whether there will be any further escalation of violence in the region.