Ukraine Accuses Belarus of Troop Concentration on Border
In a significant escalation of tensions, Ukraine has accused Belarus of amassing troops along their shared border, specifically in the Gomel region. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba stated that intelligence reports indicate a notable buildup of Belarusian Armed Forces, including special forces and military equipment such as tanks and artillery, under the pretense of military exercises. This alarming situation echoes the pre-invasion maneuvers observed before Russia's initial assault on Ukraine, raising concerns about potential aggression from Belarus, a close ally of Russia.
The Ukrainian Foreign Ministry has issued a stern warning to Belarusian officials, urging them to avoid making 'tragic mistakes' under pressure from Moscow. They called for the withdrawal of Belarusian troops to a safe distance from the border, emphasizing that any violation would be met with a robust response from Ukraine. This warning is particularly poignant given the proximity of military exercises to the Chernobyl nuclear power plant, which poses a risk not only to Ukraine but to global security as well.
In response to Ukraine's accusations, Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko has claimed that Ukraine is the aggressor, alleging that Ukrainian forces have amassed a significant military presence near their border. He further stated that Ukraine has violated Belarusian airspace with drones, escalating the rhetoric between the two nations. As the situation develops, both countries remain on high alert, with Ukraine closely monitoring the movements of Belarusian forces.
