Ukraine has reinforced its troops at the border in the northern region, according to the Ukrainian army, fearing a possible new Russian attack from Belarus.
“At the moment, establishing an attack force in Belarus is not discernible. But there are and will be threats. Therefore, we are responding and have already expanded our forces northwards,” said a general staff spokesman.
Belarus is an important ally of Russia in the conflict. The country has already allowed Russian troops to use its territory as a springboard for attacks on neighbouring Ukraine. However, the Belarusian army has kept aloof from the Russian attack.
Nearly two weeks ago, Belarus announced that about 9,000 Russian military personnel are coming to the country to participate in a new border security unit it is set up with Russia. According to the Belarusians, it would be a defensive unit.
Still, the EU has already said it sees this military cooperation between the two countries as a ‘further escalation’ of the conflict.