Ukraine bolsters its northern defences amid fears Belarus is being dragged into war
Kyiv is not taking any risks amid Moscow's efforts to integrate Minsk ever more closely into its war
TL;DR
- Russian spy drones flying into Ukraine from Belarusian airspace have increased by approximately 20% since January.
- Ukraine has reinforced its northern border fortifications, including anti-tank ditches and 'dragon's teeth' obstacles.
- Russia has reportedly constructed new drone bases near the Belarusian border to use Minsk's airspace for attacks on Ukraine.
- Ukrainian officials express concern that Moscow is trying to draw Belarus further into the conflict, despite warnings to Minsk.
- There is no evidence of Russian or Belarusian troop build-ups for a repeat invasion from Belarusian territory.
- Experts suggest Russia may use Belarus to threaten a widening of the conflict, both against Ukraine and in a broader European context.
- Ukraine has identified approximately 500 targets in Belarus to hit if Minsk becomes more directly involved.
- Local residents and border guards report seeing an increase in intelligence drones flying over border regions.