Belarus holds 'defensive' military drills near borders with Poland, Lithuania
The Belarusian Defense Ministry described the drills as defensive and said they are aimed at improving the military's ability to "protect the country's sovereignty and territorial integrity."
Belarus is conducting military exercises near the borders of Poland and Lithuania from September 15 to 18, according to the Belarusian Defense Ministry. The drills are described as defensive and aim to enhance the country's ability to protect its sovereignty and territorial integrity. The exercises focus on preparing troops for strategic military operations, such as securing the border, countering sabotage and reconnaissance groups, and combating drones and light aircraft.
Training takes place at the Gozhsky, Brestsky, and Ruzhansky training grounds, with the Gozhsky site situated just 6 kilometers from the Lithuanian border.
The exercises come amid increased tensions between Belarus and its NATO neighbors, particularly Poland and Lithuania. Belarus has faced accusations of using hybrid tactics against these countries, including facilitating the arrival of migrants from the Middle East and Africa. The nation also allowed Russian forces to use its territory as a staging ground for the full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022.
Recently, Belarus has been expanding its military infrastructure along the Belarus-Ukraine border, raising concerns in Kyiv that Moscow may be planning to draw Belarus deeper into the conflict.
Reports suggest that Russia's 101st Missile Brigade, equipped with the Oreshnik intermediate-range ballistic missile system, is deployed in Belarus. Ukraine's military intelligence chief has warned that this presence could threaten Ukrainian forces, potentially drawing units away from the current front line. Belarus is also constructing new railway infrastructure in Gomel Oblast, capable of receiving military trains carrying personnel and heavy equipment.
In May, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky reported fresh contacts between Moscow and Minsk, indicating that Russia may be considering using Belarusian territory to attack neighboring NATO members. Zelensky stated that Ukraine is prepared to take preventive measures against potential military threats along its northern border. Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko, however, denied that his country intends to join any new acts of aggression and stated that it would only become involved if Belarus were attacked.
Written by urgent.news from Kyiv Independent's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
