Fearing attacks, Ukraine fortifies its border with Russia’s ally

Ukraine has begun strengthening its security measures in areas bordering Belarus, weeks after warnings of a possible new attack by Russia’s ally.

On Thursday, Ukraine warned that Moscow could use Belarus — which served as one of the launching points for the 2022 invasion — as a base for a new offensive from the north that could include Kyiv.

Ukraine’s Security Service (SBU) announced that its units, together with the military, “have begun implementing a comprehensive set of enhanced security measures in the northern regions of the country.”

In a statement, the agency explained that these measures, which include tighter inspections and increased monitoring of individuals and property, “will serve as an effective deterrent against any hostile acts or operations by the enemy and its ally.”

For its part, the Kremlin on Monday rejected Ukraine’s accusations that Russia was attempting to draw Belarus into the war, describing them as “another attempt at provocation.”

At the same time, Moscow and Minsk are conducting joint nuclear exercises this week involving thousands of troops, aircraft, and strategic missile forces.

On Thursday, the two sides carried out drills focused on the “control” of strategic nuclear weapons, according to Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Against the backdrop of these maneuvers, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Wednesday that his country “is preparing to respond to all possible scenarios of enemy movements should Russia dare to expand its aggression.”

On Thursday, Zelensky pledged to strengthen fortifications along the entire border.

Meanwhile, Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko stated on Thursday that his country “poses no threat to anyone,” but added that it is prepared to defend Russia “by all possible means.”

Ukrainian military expert Serhiy Zgurets considered a new attack from Belarus unlikely due to the political risks Minsk could face. He added that Ukraine has significantly reinforced its northern border since 2022.

He told Agence France-Presse: “I consider this measure to be a preemptive media step on the part of the Ukrainian side.”

The war in Ukraine, which began in 2022, has resulted in the deaths of hundreds of thousands of people, becoming the deadliest conflict in Europe since World War II.