Ukraine Urges Belarus to Withdraw Troops Amid Escalating Border Tensions

Ukraine has called on Belarus to withdraw its troops from their shared border amid escalating military tensions. This follows Ukraine’s incursion into Russia’s Kursk region, which has heightened hostilities between the neighboring countries.

Ukraine’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs recently accused Belarus of concentrating military forces, including Special Operations units and Russian Wagner Group mercenaries, in the Gomel region under the pretense of exercises.

Ukraine warned Belarus against making “tragic mistakes” under Russian pressure and urged a pullback of forces to avoid crossing the firing range of Belarusian systems.

The Ukrainian government has also threatened that any violation of its border would justify retaliatory actions, targeting military installations and supply routes in Belarus.

Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko has responded by blaming Ukraine for the tensions, claiming that Kyiv sent over 120,000 soldiers to the border, which Ukraine denies.

In response, Belarus has moved about a third of its military forces to the Ukraine border, declaring these actions as self-defense and readying for potential retaliatory measures if Ukrainian forces enter Belarusian territory.

Belarus, a close ally of Russia, has provided Moscow with significant support during its war with Ukraine, including allowing Russian troops to use Belarusian territory as a launchpad for attacks.

Despite this, Belarus has thus far avoided direct military involvement in the conflict. The recent troop build-up at the border raises concerns that this may change, though experts suggest that Belarus may remain a strategic base for Russia rather than directly entering the war.

Engaging Belarusian forces could destabilize Lukashenko’s regime and provoke a stronger international response, making it more beneficial for Russia to maintain Belarus as a staging ground for military operations rather than a direct combatant.

California Sees Rare August Snowfall in Sierra Nevada Amid Heatwaves and Wildfires