Belarusian Defense Minister Viktor Khrenin has raised concerns about a potential military provocation from neighboring Ukraine.
Blames American Figures
This warning follows a similar alert from Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko, who suggested that Ukraine might expand the conflict into Belarus, according to Hotnews.
According to state news agency Belta, Khrenin highlighted the ongoing military activity along the Belarusian-Ukrainian border.
Ukrainian forces have reportedly been enhancing their border security and conducting reconnaissance operations, including the use of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) to monitor Belarusian airspace. Khrenin emphasized the continued high probability of military provocations due to the proximity of Ukrainian troops.
President Lukashenko's comments, made in a lengthy interview, further fueled concerns. He suggested that high-ranking American figures are eager for the Ukraine-Russia war to persist, implying that the West is encouraging Ukraine to fight in order to weaken both nations.
This assertion aligns with Lukashenko's broader narrative that the West is intent on fostering conflict.
Bolsters Border Defenses
In response to the perceived threat, Russia has announced plans to bolster its border defenses. Meanwhile, significant evacuations are underway in Russia's Kursk region as Ukrainian forces reportedly advance deeper into Russian territory.
Kyiv has claimed that its troops have gained substantial ground, with recent advances reaching 35 kilometers into Russia.
Lukashenko has asserted that Belarus will not tolerate any aggression, warning that Ukrainian troops will not be allowed to "trample" Belarusian soil.
His stance reflects Belarus's role as a key ally to Russian President Vladimir Putin, who launched the large-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, with parts of the operation originating from Belarusian territory.
