Belarus has deployed military reinforcements to its border with Ukraine following an incident involving Ukrainian drones crossing its airspace. Belarusian Defense Minister Viktor Khrenin stated that the drones were intercepted by the country's air defenses, with President Alexander Lukashenko labeling the event as a provocation.
Lukashenko expressed concerns over the escalation of tensions, citing recent Ukrainian actions in Russian territory. In response, Belarus has ordered the strengthening of troops in border areas to address potential provocations from Ukraine.
The military buildup includes special operations forces, ground troops, rocket forces, and advanced missile systems. The Belarusian Foreign Ministry lodged a protest with Ukraine and warned of retaliatory measures if similar incidents occur in the future.
The ministry accused Ukraine of criminal actions that could escalate the conflict in the region and urged neighboring European countries to avoid exacerbating the situation. Despite Belarus' statements, Ukraine has not publicly responded to the accusations.
Belarusian state media reported that the Foreign Ministry plans to engage in consultations with allies, partners, and international organizations following the drone incident. The developments have raised concerns about the potential spread of conflict beyond the region, emphasizing the need for de-escalation to prevent wider repercussions.
