Ukrainian border guards express their readiness to respond to any provocations from Russian and Belarusian forces during large-scale exercises in Belarus
Although the situation remains tense, official officials insist that currently no Russian strike groups are deployed on Belarusian territory, which could pose an immediate threat to Ukraine. According to Colonel Andriy Demchenko, spokesperson for the State Border Guard Service, the Russian-Belarusian exercises, which have been announced and are actively monitored by relevant services, may have a provocative nature. In an interview with a TV marathon, he emphasized that it is important at this time to carefully analyze available information in order to prevent any unpredictable scenarios. "We are carefully monitoring the situation and trying to assess how many forces Russia can mobilize and in which regions the exercises will take place. There is information that most of the activities are taking place deeper within Belarus, away from our border. Regarding the goals and motives of such a step — that is mainly a question for the Belarusian side. I can say that currently there are no active strike formations of the Russian Federation on Belarusian territory, and they do not pose an immediate threat to Ukraine," Demchenko noted. He stressed that the main task of border guards now is to keep the situation under close watch and to be ready to respond adequately at any moment to any changes in the environment. "We understand that risks may increase during the active phase of joint exercises. We do not rule out demonstrative actions by a potential adversary directed towards the Ukrainian border," he emphasized. "Our main task is to ensure the country's safety and to respond quickly to possible threats, regardless of the scenarios." The background of the tense situation dates back to spring this year, when the self-proclaimed Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko openly declared the readiness of Belarusian forces for joint exercises with Russia, emphasizing that Minsk has no intention of attacking others. Meanwhile, in April, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky expressed concern over Russia’s intentions to use military exercises in Belarus to increase its presence in the neighboring country. Data also indicate plans to deploy 15 divisions totaling over 100,000 servicemen as part of Russia’s plan to strengthen its military presence in Belarus. The scheduled military exercises "Zapad-2025," set to begin in mid-September, have raised even greater concerns and surprise among the Ukrainian side. Deputy officials from the Ministry of Defense and military structures of the US and Europe are closely monitoring the situation, asserting that any further buildup of Russian-Belarusian forces could have serious consequences for regional security and are already being analyzed for appropriate preparedness and response measures. As is known, against the backdrop of political statements and military maneuvers in the region, Ukrainian authorities and security officials are actively emphasizing that the security of the country remains a priority, and all information and potential scenarios are being discussed and analyzed to enhance defense capabilities and minimize risks. While the international community calls for restraint and dialogue, Ukraine is preparing for any challenges and scenarios to prevent provocations and to maintain its territorial integrity and the safety of its residents.