Ukraine Warns Belarus Against Provocations During Military Exercises in the Region
The Ukrainian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has issued an official statement concerning the escalating tensions surrounding the scheduled military exercises in Belarus.
In this statement, the MFA clearly emphasized the necessity of refraining from provocative actions and hinted at potential consequences if borders are assaulted recklessly.
Ukraine reiterated that since 2022, Belarus has been an accomplice in Russia’s aggression against Ukraine, and their cooperation poses a significant threat to stability in the region and across Europe.
The document urges Ukraine’s allies to remain vigilant, intensify sanctions and political pressure on Moscow and Minsk, and collaboratively combat misinformation while strengthening Ukraine’s defense capabilities.
Particular attention was paid to the ‘Zapad-2021’ exercises held in 2021-2022, which served as cover for Russian troop buildup near Ukraine’s borders.
In the context of this autumn’s Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) exercises, including ‘Vzaimodeystvie-2025’, ‘Poisk-2025’, ‘Echelon-2025’, and joint strategic drills with Belarus and Russia ‘Zahid-2025’, the Ukrainian MFA emphasizes that any unfounded provocations from Belarus could have unpredictable consequences.
Lithuania’s President Gitanas Nausėda previously stated that this year’s ‘Zapad’ exercises would be 2-3 times smaller than in 2021, aiming to avoid escalation ahead of Russia’s full-scale attack on Ukraine.
As the exercises approach, Lithuania has closed parts of its airspace near the border with Belarus.
Belarus has also announced possible partial relocation of the exercise locations, citing provocative behavior from Poland and Lithuania.
Ultimately, the Ukrainian ministry calls for prudence and joint efforts to prevent provocations and ensure regional security.